India gas leak accident

At least 13 people died following a massive gas leak at a chemical plant in southern India, with hundreds of others taken to hospital


Visakhapatnam, May 7, 03:00 local time: Styrene gas leaks from South Korean-owned LG Polymers plant as factory re-opens for first time since Mar 24, when nationwide lockdown was imposed to contain spread of coronavirus

Delhi
Bhopal,1984: Gas leak kills thousands in world’s worst industrial disaster
INDIA
ANDHRA PRADESH
500km 310 miles

STYRENE

Uses
Production of polystyrene plastics and resins used in manufacture of packaging, fan blades, flooring, disposable tableware, containers for foodstuffs and cosmetics

Effects on humans
Short-term exposure causes irritation of nose, throat and eyes, and gastrointestinal effects. Long-term exposure affects central nervous system, causing headache, fatigue, weakness, depression, hearing loss, peripheral neuropathy


National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) soldier fitted with protective gear before proceeding to accident area. 


Sources: Reuters, BBC, EPA, Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation 
Picture: AP
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