Tragic Gas Leak In Maharashtra: 3 Dead and 9 Hospitalized After Ammonia Fume Inhalation

A blast at a fertilizer plant in Maharashtra resulted in the deaths of three people and left nine others hospitalized after they inhaled toxic ammonia fumes.

A tragic gas leak in a fertilizer plant in Maharashtra's Sangli lead to the death of 3 people and 9 were hospitalised due to massive ammonia fume inhalation. Among the deceased were two women. The gas leak occurred due to a blast in a reactor at the fertiliser plant in Sangli district on Friday, says reports. Further reports stated that the blast was reported around 6 pm at the Myanmar Chemical Company in Shalgaon MIDC of Kadegaon tehsil in the district.

Police reports state that there were 12 people in the unit when the blast took place and they were all taken to the hospital immediately after. Among the people who were hospitalised, 3 of them, two women and one security guard succumbed to ammonia fumes poisoning and nine other are being treated currently. The reason behind the ammonia fumes was an explosion in one of the reactors which released chemical fumes. The unit workers who were working in close proximity were immediately impacted. Sangli Police officials suspect that the gas is ammonia.

According to reports, seven out of the nine injured people have been admitted to Sahyadri Hospital in Karad and the other five are in the ICU. Three among 12 lost their lives and deceased have been identified as, Suchita Uthale (50) of Yetgaon in Sangli district and Neelam Rethrekar (26) of Masur in Satara district, said officials.

What Are The Health Implications Of Ammonia Fume Inhalation?

Ammonia inhalation is very bad for health and if inhaled in excess it could be fatal. Here are the 4 major impacts on health:

1. It can lead to swelling and narrowing of the airways in the body and the air sacks in the lungs. This can restrict breathing and oxygen supply.
2. Burning sensation in the throat and windpipe.
3. There may be a severe impact on the mucous membranes of the lungs after inhaling ammonia fumes. This can distress airways, cause respiratory distress and failure. Respiratory failure can kill an individual.
4. When their isn't proper ventilation in the body due to fumes, it can cause asphyxiation, especially people are in a tight enclosed space.

(This is a developing story, stay tuned to this page for further updates)