Gas leaked from a chemical plant in Visakhapatnam in the early hours of Thursday and quickly spread to villages in a five-kilometre radius, killing at least 11 people and impacting about 1,000, many collapsing to the ground as they tried to escape the toxic vapours.
Hours after the styrene gas leak around 2.30 am from the multinational L G Polymers Plant at RR Venkatapuram village, scores of people could be seen lying unconscious on sidewalks, near ditches and on the road, raising fears of a major industrial disaster.
Among the dead were two children, aged six and nine, a first year medical student and two people who fell into a well while fleeing the vapours from the plant, getting ready to reopen after the lockdown.
Many celebrities turned to social media to give their condolences and also to request for proper investigation on the matter.
Saddened by the tragic gas leak incident in Vizag. Heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families who lost their loved ones. Prayers for quick and complete recovery of those hospitalised. Stay strong.
— Hrithik Roshan (@iHrithik) May 7, 2020
Heartwrenching to hear the news of #VizagGasLeak, more so during these challenging times… Heartfelt condolences and strength to the bereaved families in this hour of need. Wishing a speedy recovery to those affected. My prayers for you… Stay safe VIZAG.
— Mahesh Babu (@urstrulyMahesh) May 7, 2020
#PrayForVizag 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻 pic.twitter.com/pMRcIwPkMP
— Anirudh Ravichander (@anirudhofficial) May 7, 2020
