‘I pray for everyone’s safety and well-being in Visakhapatnam’: PM Modi on Andhra Pradesh chemical gas leak

The prime minister said the situation in Visakhapatnam is being closely monitored.

Updated on: May 7, 2020, 13:47:11 IST

Hindustan Times, New Delhi | By HT News Desk

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday reacted to gas leak at Andhra Pradesh chemical plant and said he has spoken to officials at the Home Affairs ministry and the NDMA regarding the incident. At least eight people died and hundreds fell sick after inhaling poisonous styrene gas leaked from a chemical factory in Andhra Pradesh’s Visakhapatnam district in the early hours of Thursday.

At least eight people died and hundreds fell sick after inhaling poisonous styrene gas leaked from a chemical factory in Andhra Pradesh’s Visakhapatnam district in the early hours of Thursday. (HT Photo)

“Spoke to officials of MHA (Ministry of Home Affairs) and NDMA (National Disaster Management Authority) regarding the situation in Visakhapatnam, which is being monitored closely. I pray for everyone’s safety and well-being in Visakhapatnam,” PM Modi tweeted on Thursday.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy on Thursday enquired about the gas leak incident at a chemical plant in Visakhapatnam. The chief minister has directed the district officials to take every possible step to save lives and bring the situation under control, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister’s Office stated.

Also Watch | At least 3 dead, several sick after gas leak at Andhra Pradesh factory

Also read: Andhra Pradesh chemical gas leak - What we know so far

Reddy will leave for Visakhapatnam and visit King George Hospital where the affected are being treated.

“The chief minister is closely monitoring the situation and has instructed the district machinery to take immediate steps and provide all help,” CMO, Andhra Pradesh stated.

President Ram Nath Kovind expressed sadness on the incident. “Saddened by the news of gas leak in a plant near Visakhapatnam which has claimed several lives. My condolences to the families of the victims. I pray for the recovery of the injured and the safety of all,” he said.

The incident happened at around 3 am at LG Polymers Ltd at Gopalapatnam, when people in the nearby colonies were fast asleep.

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