Chennai, May 15 (UNI) More than 20 people were hospitalised after they complained of nausea and dizziness following a blast at an Effluent Treatment Plant (ET) at a dyeing unit in the Sipcot Industrial Estate in Cuddalore district of Tamil Nadu on Thursday.
Police sources said the blast at Loyal Super Fabrics, a textile unit operating within the Sipcot Industrial Complex, led to the release of approximately 600,000 liters of chemical-laden water, which inundated nearby residential areas, causing significant health issues among the local population.
The explosion took place during routine operations at the dyeing facility.
The sudden blast resulted in the rupture of a large chemical storage tanker, releasing a substantial volume of contaminated water. This hazardous liquid entered adjacent homes, exposing residents to toxic substances.
Following the incident, about 20 people in and around the estate and neighbouring hamlets complained as nausea and dizziness.
They were admitted to the Cuddalore Government Hospital for treatment and their health condition
was being closely monitored.
The sudden influx of chemical water into residential areas sparked outrage among the affected communities.
Residents staged a protest by blocking the Cuddalore-Chidambaram highway, demanding immediate action and accountability from the factory management.
Top district police officials held talks with them and pacified them after which they dispersed.
Authorities have initiated a thorough investigation to ascertain the cause of the explosion.
Preliminary reports suggest that a malfunction in the chemical storage system may have led to the incident.
Environmental and safety experts are evaluating the factory’s compliance with industrial safety standards.
This incident underscores the critical importance of stringent safety protocols in industrial operations, especially those involving hazardous materials.
UNI GV 1535