Ammonia poisoning: Sick labourers recover, investigation team formed

Kundapur: The 77 labourers, who took ill after the liquid ammonia blast occurred in the fish freezing unit of Malpe Marine Fish Storage plant have recovered except two, who are still in the ICU.

“Major disaster was averted as the sick labourers were admitted to the hospital immediately after the mishap. As the level of Haemoglobin in low in two labourers, they are still being monitored in the ICU of the hospital. However, there is no risk to their life. The parents of the labourers who took ill in the incident have arrived at the hospital. They will be discharged. If anyone needs more rest, they will be accommodated,” informed Dr Adarsh Hebbar, medical officer of Adarsha hospital and added that the 75 laboureres who have recovered have been discharged.

On August 12, the liquid ammonia which is used for freezing the ice used for storing fishes got leaked suddenly. However, the leak was neutralized by the fire service personnel soon. The location has been visited by DC Hepsiba Rani and SP Nisha James and have taken action for investigating the causes that led to the leakage of the deadly liquid.

In a statement the DC informed that a committee consisting of DySP Dinesh Kumar, health officers, labour department officials and Industrial department officials will be formed under the leadership of sub-divisional officer Madhukeshwar to investigate the happening.