Bhubaneswar: The death toll of Odia workers in the ammonia gas leak tragedy at a seafood processing factory in Tamil Nadu's Tiruvallur district has risen to five, Odisha Labour Minister Ganesh Ram Sing Khuntia said on Monday.

The deceased workers have been identified as Gumani Juanga, Geeta Juanga, Champabati Juanga, Shibani Juanga and Phulomani Juanga. All of them hailed from Keonjhar district.

Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi expressed grief over the deaths and conveyed condolences to the bereaved families. He also wished a speedy recovery to those injured in the incident. The CM has announced an ex-gratia of Rs 4 lakh for the next of kin of each deceased.

The tragic incident occurred on Sunday at a private seafood processing and export unit in Kannigaipair village near Periyapalayam in Tiruvallur district. A suspected ammonia gas leak from the factory's refrigeration or processing system spread through parts of the facility, exposing workers to toxic fumes.

Around 120 migrant workers, including several from Odisha, Assam and Jharkhand, were present at the factory when the leak occurred. Many of them were staying inside the factory premises. Workers reportedly suffered severe breathing difficulties, dizziness and irritation after inhaling the gas, while some collapsed on the spot.

Official figures indicated that 64 workers, including 60 women and four men, were affected by the leak. Several workers were rushed to nearby hospitals for treatment, while authorities launched rescue and evacuation operations.

Following the tragedy, the Odisha government deputed a three-member team to Tamil Nadu to coordinate relief measures and assist affected workers from the state. The team comprises Labour and ESI Special Secretary Rajesh Kumar Agrawala, Additional Labour Commissioner Madan Mohan Paik and Labour Directorate Technical Consultant Bhakta Bandhu Acharya.

Minister Ganesh Ram Sing Khuntia said the Odisha government had been closely monitoring the situation since the incident came to light. Acting on the directions of Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, the Labour Department has been maintaining continuous coordination with the Tamil Nadu administration, he said.

"The identities of the deceased workers have been confirmed. Arrangements are being made to transport the bodies to their native villages with due dignity after the completion of post-mortem examinations," the minister said.

He added that the government is closely monitoring the treatment of the injured workers and ensuring that all necessary assistance is provided. Steps will also be taken to extend government support and compensation to the affected families in accordance with the rules.