15:37 May 07
Vizag gas tragedy: Andhra HC issues notice to state, center
Hyderabad:The High Court of Andhra Pradesh issues notice to state and centre governments following the Styrene gas leak from a chemical plant which killed at least 10 people including a minor, in Visakhapatanam.
According to reports, the high court took cognizance of the matter and expressed doubt as to how such an industry exist in highly populated area.
A major leak from a polymer plant near here impacted villages in a five-km radius, leaving 10 people dead and scores of citizens suffering from breathlessness and other problems in an early morning mishap that raised fears of a serious industrial disaster.
The dead included a child while scores of policemen who rushed to evacuate affected persons also were impacted by the leak of styrene vapour from the LG Polymers Limited plant at R R Venkatapuram village under Gopalapatnam limits.
Tragically, two of the victims met with their end after falling into a borewell while fleeing their affected village and their bodies were found later in the day.
The daybreak saw some grim scenes as visibly suffering people were being rushed for medical assistance in autos and two-wheelers while government workers tried to assist them with whatever first aid possible.
People lying on roadside and near ditches in unconscious state narrated the magnitude of the situation, as the government said arresting the leak was the first priority.