At least eleven people including a child have been reported dead after styrene gas leaked from a plant in LG Polymers near Visakhapatnam in Andhra Pradesh. The gas leak occurred between 2:30 AM and 3:00 AM on Thursday that has spread over a radius of more than 3 kms affecting at least 5 villages.
More than 800 people have been hospitalized so far. Fire engines, ambulances and police rushed to the spot to arrest the situation. Prime Minister Narendra Modi immediately convened a meeting of National Disaster Management Authority Offcials to take stock of the situation. A team of National Disaster Response Force has been sent to help the Andhra Pradesh government deal with the crisis. PM Modi said that he is closely monitoring the situation. He also spoke to CM Jagan Mohan Reddy over the phone. Meanwhile Indian Navy also rushed in to help the villagers affected in the region.
The National Human Rights Commission has sent a notice to the Andhra Pradesh government and the Centre after taking suo motu cognizance of the incident. Mr. Jagan has ordered an investigation into the incident.
Locals had reported irritation in skin and throat along with a strong smell of the gas. About 1000-1500 people have been evacuated. Special trains reaching Vishakapatnam are now being diverted or regulated.
Styrene, also known as vinylbenzene or ethenylbenzene is used for making rubber and rubber products, insulation pipes, automobile parts, luggages, shoes, food containers, printing catridges, etc. The gas is ‘suspected’ to be carcinogenic. Long term exposure can affect the central nervous system with symptoms that includes headache, fatigue, weakness and hearing loss.