Visakhapatnam: Around 300 victims from the gas leakage at LG Polymers India in Vishakapatnam early on Thursday were shifted into the government-run King George Hospital where doctors were left panicked and confused.
The incident took place at Gopalapatnam, RR Venkatapuram near Naiduthota area between 2.30 am and 3 am and reportedly spread over a radius of about 3 km, affecting at least five villages, said the Municipal Commissioner Srijana Gummalla
Due to the coronavirus crisis, doctors and staff at the hospital have already been under immense pressure and stress to control the situation. They are working hysterically in order to save gas leakage victims.
11 of the 160 victims admitted succumbed during the treatment, which includes 2 children. The initial casualties included an 8-year-old girl. While one man was reported to have died when he jumped into a well, another person fell off the balcony of his house.
KGH officials said they were mobilizing all the human resources and equipment to deal with the situation. They claimed that they have a sufficient number of ventilators to tackle the emergency.
The crisis has affected the movement of 9 special Shramik trains.
Families separated from each other in the utter confusion that prevailed after the gas leakage are frantically searching for their loved ones. Hundreds of people who inhaled the gas either fell unconscious or felt breathing problems. Shocking scenes were witnessed with people including women and children lying unconscious on the roads. People were seen rushing the victims to ambulances and private vehicles. Officials fear that there may be people unconscious in their homes but reaching in the localities has become tough due to the foul smell of the gas. Many people of the adjoining villages are being evacuated.
About 70 people were shifted to various private hospitals in the city. Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation (GVMC) officials threw water through mist blowers to subside the effect of the gas leak.
“In morning between 3.45 to 5.45 am the emission rate was extremely high. In fact, standing there was a great difficulty. We could not measure the level of gas at that time because we could not enter the village. We measured concentration at about 9.30 am and it was 1-2.5 ppm and now the rates have gone up. So we need to monitor is again for next 48 hours to say if we are in safe zone. For it to reach to safety level, the emission has to come down to zero. The emissions are still continuing to happen.” The Visakhapatnam collector said.
Founded as Hindustan Polymers in 1961 for making polystyrene and its co-polymers at Visakhapatnam, the company was merged with McDowell & Co Ltd of UB Group in 1978 and renamed as LG Polymers in 1997 and its headquarter is located in Mumbai.
The South Korean group LG Chemical looked at India as an important market and in order to grow aggressively acquired Hindustan Polymers from UB group and renamed it as LG Polymers India in 1997. It is one of the leading manufacturers of polystyrene and expandable polystyrene in India, according to LG Polymers.
The statement issued by South Korean Ambassador Shin Bong-kil, Embassy of the Republic of Korea, Delhi reads, “I am shocked and saddened by the news of the accident that occurred at the LG Polymers Plant in Gopalpatnam, AP that caused loss of valuable lives and many falling ill. This was a highly unfortunate incident and our deepest condolences go out to those affected by this tragic event. We pray for the speedy recovery of those who have been taken ill.”
The tragedy brought focus on the nature of the gas and its effects. Used in the manufacturing of polystyrene plastics, fiberglass, rubber, and latex, Styrene is a flammable liquid. Initial investigations by Andhra Pradesh officials said failure of refrigeration led to gasification and it spread in the villages around the plant. Due to the covid 29 situation, the plant was closed and was bound to reopen after the lockdown. Hence, only a few staff members like the security guards, etcetera were present in the premises.
“This gas is not poisonous and hence there is nothing to worry to that extent. If inhaled in large amounts it may be fatal. Gas by itself gives you irritation and causes irritation in mucus membrane,” said Director
The effects of the gas depend on the amount inhaled. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) of the US, short-term exposure to the substance can result in respiratory issues, irritation in the eyes and mucous membrane, and gastrointestinal problems. Long-term exposure could radically affect the central nervous system and peripheral neuropathy can be a result of it. The symptoms, depending on the degree of exposure, include headache, hearing loss, fatigue, weakness and difficulty in concentrating. Studies have been uncertain about its carcinogenic affects.
General of Police Gautam Sawang. He said water acts as an antidote to styrene and those with exposure should douse themselves with water and drink a lot of water.
The police chief said as per their primary information, styrene is stored in a tank and a level is maintained to ensure that it does not evaporate. “There was a neutralizer there but for some reason, it did not act. We will know the reason in the investigations,” the DGP said.
There were also rumors of a second leak but were termed false and brushed off by the officials. It was said to be a few vapors released during the repair process at the plant.
Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy has announced Rs. 1 crore to be given to each family where a casualty has been reported. The Andhra Pradesh government will be giving Rs. 25000 to those who received primary care treatment due to the Vizag gas leak. Those who received 2-3 days of treatment will get Rs 1 lakh and Rs 10 lakh to the ones on ventilator support.
SOURCE: YTN STAFF
