Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government on Sunday deputed a three-member team to Tamil Nadu following a deadly ammonia gas leak at a seafood processing factory in Tiruvallur district that claimed at least seven lives, including two workers from Odisha, and left many others hospitalised.

Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi expressed grief over the deaths and conveyed his condolences to the bereaved families. He also wished a speedy recovery to those injured in the incident.

To assist workers from Odisha and coordinate relief measures, the state government dispatched a team comprising Labour and ESI Special Secretary Rajesh Kumar Agrawala, Additional Labour Commissioner Madan Mohan Paik and Labour Directorate Technical Consultant Bhakta Bandhu Acharya to Tiruvallur.

The incident occurred at a private seafood processing and export unit in Kannigaipair village near Periyapalayam in Tamil Nadu's Tiruvallur district on Sunday. According to officials, a suspected ammonia gas leak from the factory's refrigeration or processing system spread rapidly through parts of the facility.

Around 120 migrant workers, including women from Odisha, Assam and Jharkhand, were present on the factory premises when the leak occurred. Many of the workers were residing within the factory compound.

Workers exposed to the gas reportedly experienced severe breathing difficulties, dizziness and irritation. Some victims suffered bleeding from the mouth and nose, indicating the severity of the exposure. Panic spread across the premises as workers rushed to escape, while several collapsed after inhaling the toxic gas.

Government figures show that 64 workers, including 60 women and four men, were affected by the leak.

Emergency response teams, police personnel and local authorities immediately launched rescue operations. The affected workers were shifted to nearby private hospitals for treatment.

Authorities said at least seven workers lost their lives in the incident, while several others remain under medical care. An investigation has been initiated to determine the exact cause of the leak and whether any safety lapses contributed to the tragedy.

The Odisha government said it is closely monitoring the situation and coordinating with Tamil Nadu authorities to ensure assistance and support for workers from the state.