Chennai/Bhubaneswar, Jun 22: Five women workers from Odisha's Keonjhar district were among those killed in an ammonia gas leak at a private seafood processing and export unit in Tamil Nadu's Tiruvallur district, officials said Monday.

The women died after being exposed to toxic ammonia fumes during an industrial accident at a shrimp processing facility on June 21. More than 60 workers remain hospitalised and under medical observation.

Victims Identified
The deceased were identified as Jimani Jiwang, Geetha Jiwang, Bhumiya Jiwang, Sibani, and Phulomani Juanga, all residents of Keonjhar district.

According to Tamil Nadu authorities, 74 workers were affected by the gas leak. Two workers died on June 21, while three others succumbed to their injuries by the morning of June 22, taking the death toll to five. Two workers have since been discharged from hospital.

CM Announces Rs 4 Lakh Ex Gratia
Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi expressed deep grief over the death of Odia workers in the gas leak incident. In a condolence message, the Chief Minister said he was deeply saddened by the tragedy and conveyed his heartfelt sympathies to the bereaved families. He also wished a speedy recovery to the injured Odia workers undergoing treatment.

CM Majhi announced ex gratia assistance of Rs 4 lakh each from the Chief Minister's Relief Fund (CMRF) for the next of kin of every deceased worker.

Odisha in Touch With Tamil Nadu Government
The Odisha government is maintaining constant communication with the Tamil Nadu administration to ensure proper treatment and support for the affected workers. Chief Secretary Anu Garg on Sunday spoke with her Tamil Nadu counterpart and discussed measures to ensure adequate medical care and other necessary assistance for the Odia workers affected by the incident.

Odisha Dispatches Team
The Odisha government has deputed a three-member team to Tamil Nadu to assess the situation and coordinate assistance for the affected families.

Odisha Labour Minister Ganesh Ram Singh Khuntia said the state government moved swiftly after learning about the tragedy.

"It is a matter of grief and regret that the Ammonia gas leakage incident in Thiruvallur, Tamil Nadu, has shaken the entire country, including Odisha. Out of the seven deceased, five are labourers from Odisha and reportedly belong to Keonjhar district. The Chief Minister immediately convened a meeting, attended by the Chief Secretary, and steps are being taken in coordination with the Tamil Nadu government to bring the bodies back to Odisha at the earliest," he said.

Also Read: Seven Dead, Over 60 Hospitalised after Ammonia Leak at Seafood Processing Unit in Tamil Nadu

Workers Suffered Respiratory Distress
Health officials in Tamil Nadu said the affected workers experienced symptoms commonly associated with ammonia inhalation, including breathlessness, irritation of the eyes and respiratory tract, persistent coughing, chest discomfort and respiratory distress.

Emergency response teams, including district officials, police personnel, fire services and health authorities, were deployed immediately after the leak was reported.

Cause Under Investigation
The exact cause of the ammonia leak has not yet been determined.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay expressed grief over the deaths and announced an ex gratia payment of Rs 2 lakh each from the Chief Minister's Public Relief Fund to the families of the deceased workers.

Three-Member Panel Ordered
The Tamil Nadu government constituted a three-member inquiry committee comprising officials from the Directorate of Industrial Safety and Health, the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board and the Directorate of Public Health.

The panel has been asked to submit an interim report within 24 hours and a final report within three days.