Bhubaneswar: Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has increased the ex-gratia assistance for the families of Odia workers who lost their lives in the ammonia gas leak tragedy at a seafood processing factory in Tamil Nadu. The amount has been increased from Rs 4 lakh to Rs 10 lakh for each deceased worker's next of kin. It will be provided from the Chief Minister's Relief Fund (CMRF).

On the other hand, the death toll of Odia workers in the incident rose to seven. The latest deceased, Sajani Juang and Jamuni Juanga of Keonjhar district, succumbed to injuries while undergoing treatment at hospital in Tamil Nadu on Tuesday.

Earlier, five workers from Keonjhar district had died in the incident. They were identified as Gumani Juanga, Geeta Juanga, Champabati Juanga, Shibani Juanga and Phulomani Juanga.

The tragedy occurred on Sunday at a private seafood processing and export unit in Kannigaipair village near Periyapalayam in Tiruvallur district of Tamil Nadu. A suspected ammonia gas leak from the factory exposed workers to toxic fumes, leading to severe health complications.

Around 120 migrant workers, including several from Odisha, Assam and Jharkhand, were reportedly present at the factory when the leak occurred. Many suffered breathing difficulties, dizziness and irritation after inhaling the gas, while some collapsed at the workplace.

The Odisha government has been closely monitoring the situation and has already deputed a three-member team to Tamil Nadu to coordinate relief measures and provide assistance to affected workers from the state.