Gas Leak Accident at LG Chem Plant in India... Hits Residents Asleep at Dawn, '11 Dead' (Comprehensive)

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Hyung-min] A gas leak accident occurred at an LG Chem factory in India, resulting in the deaths of 11 nearby residents and hospitalization of 1,000 people.

According to India's NDTV and others on the 7th, in the early morning local time, styrene gas leaked from the LG Polymers India factory in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, southern India, causing more than 11 residents to die. According to local officials, 1,000 people are hospitalized, and among the deceased is an 8-year-old child.

The factory was producing polystyrene (PS) resin. Local police estimated that the gas leaked from the chemical styrene monomer (SM) stored in tanks inside the factory.

Styrene is a raw material for chemical products such as polystyrene, and exposure to high concentrations of styrene is known to stimulate the nervous system, causing symptoms such as difficulty breathing, dizziness, and nausea. Factory officials estimated that heat was applied to the styrene in the tank, causing a natural chemical reaction and releasing gas.

Residents within a 3 km radius of the factory complained of symptoms such as burning eyes, difficulty breathing, and vomiting. An evacuation order was also issued to about 3,000 residents in the area.

In particular, the accident occurred around 3 a.m. when residents were asleep, increasing the damage. Local media reported that as the gas engulfed the area, residents panicked in the darkness.

On news channels and social media (SNS), horrific scenes were revealed of people lying unconscious on the streets and suddenly collapsing to the ground even after daylight.

At the time, India was under a nationwide lockdown since March 25 to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19), so there were reportedly very few workers at the factory during the accident. It was also reported that there were no Korean victims.

LG Chem stated regarding this accident, "We are assessing the damage status of local village residents and taking all necessary measures together with related agencies to protect residents and employees."

They added, "The gas leak at the factory is currently under control," and "The leaked gas can cause symptoms such as vomiting and dizziness due to inhalation, so we are making every effort to ensure that related treatment can be provided promptly."

Shin Bong-gil, the Ambassador to India, also expressed in a media statement, "We extend our deepest condolences to those who lost their lives in this tragic incident," and "We hope those receiving treatment recover quickly."

LG Chem acquired Hindustan Polymers, India's largest polystyrene resin manufacturer established in 1961, in 1996 and changed the company name to LG Polymers India the following year. The LG Polymers India factory covers an area of 660,000 square meters and employs about 300 workers.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.