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Coordinates: 17°45′19″N 83°12′32″E / 17.75528°N 83.20889°E / 17.75528; 83.20889
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→‎National Green Tribunal: the citation linked makes a number of jumps, and the quote it gives from the bench says for "further orders of this Tribunal," suggesting it's a holding deposit rather than a formal charge against LG Polymers India.
Reverted good faith edits by ItsPugle (talk): It says abide by the further ruling and deposit is for the dmage caused (TW)
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=== Legal actions ===
=== Legal actions ===
As part of the process of instigating a police investigation, a [[first information report]] was filed against LG Chem by the local police. The report gives the scope for possible charges under sections 278 (making the atmosphere noxious to health), 284 (negligent conduct with respect to poisonous substance), 285 (negligent conduct with respect to fire or combustible matter), 337 (causing hurt by act endangering life or personal safety of others), 338 (causing grievous hurt by act endangering life), and 304 (causing death by doing any rash or negligent act not amounting to culpable homicide) of the [[Indian Penal Code]] (IPC).<ref name="hindu 2"/>
An [[First information report|FIR]] was filed against LG Chem by the local police under sections 278 (making the atmosphere noxious to health), 284 (negligent conduct with respect to poisonous substance), 285 (negligent conduct with respect to fire or combustible matter), 337 (causing hurt by act endangering life or personal safety of others), 338 (causing grievous hurt by act endangering life) and 304 (causing death by doing any rash or negligent act not amounting to culpable homicide) of the [[Indian Penal Code]] (IPC).<ref name="hindu 2"/>


==== National Green Tribunal ====
==== National Green Tribunal ====
A petition has been filed in the [[National Green Tribunal Act|National Green Tribunal]] (NGT), demanding an investigation into the incident by a high-level committee.<ref>{{cite news |title=Plea in NGT seeks judicial probe into Visakhapatnam gas leak incident|url=https://www.aninews.in/news/national/general-news/plea-in-ngt-seeks-judicial-probe-into-visakhapatnam-gas-leak-incident20200507144238/ |accessdate=7 May 2020 |work=[[Asian News International]] |date=7 May 2020}}</ref> A bench was formed with the NGT Chairperson, Justice [[Adarsh Kumar Goel]], and was scheduled to take the case on 8 May 2020.<ref>{{cite news |title=NGT to take up Visakhapatnam gas leak case on Friday |url=https://www.thestatesman.com/india/ngt-take-visakhapatnam-gas-leak-case-friday-1502885508.html |accessdate=7 May 2020 |work=[[The Statesman (India)]] |date=7 May 2020}}</ref>
A petition has been filed in the [[National Green Tribunal Act|National Green Tribunal]] (NGT), demanding an investigation into the incident by a high-level committee.<ref>{{cite news |title=Plea in NGT seeks judicial probe into Visakhapatnam gas leak incident|url=https://www.aninews.in/news/national/general-news/plea-in-ngt-seeks-judicial-probe-into-visakhapatnam-gas-leak-incident20200507144238/ |accessdate=7 May 2020 |work=[[Asian News International]] |date=7 May 2020}}</ref> A bench was formed with the NGT Chairperson, Justice [[Adarsh Kumar Goel]], and was scheduled to take the case on 8 May 2020.<ref>{{cite news |title=NGT to take up Visakhapatnam gas leak case on Friday |url=https://www.thestatesman.com/india/ngt-take-visakhapatnam-gas-leak-case-friday-1502885508.html |accessdate=7 May 2020 |work=[[The Statesman (India)]] |date=7 May 2020}}</ref>


On 8 May, the bench ordered LG Polymers India to deposit an amount of {{INRConvert|50|c|lk=on}} as an initial amount with the [[District magistrate]] of Visakhapatnam as a deposit for the financial costs associated if found at-fault.<ref name="outlook ngt 1">{{cite news |title=Vizag Gas Leak: NGT Issues Notice To Centre, Directs LG Polymers To Deposit Rs 50 Cr |url=https://www.outlookindia.com/website/story/india-news-vizag-gas-leak-ngt-issues-notice-to-centre-directs-lg-polymers-to-deposit-rs-50-cr-for-damages/352320 |accessdate=8 May 2020 |work=[[Press Trust of India]] |publisher=[[Outlook (Indian magazine)|The Outlook]]}}</ref> It had issued notices to the [[Andhra Pradesh Pollution Control Board]] (APPCB), the [[Central Pollution Control Board]] (CPCB) and the Union [[Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change]] (MoEFCC), in which it had sought the responses of the individual boards and the ministry. It had also constituted a five-member fact-finding committee to probe the incident and to deliver a report to the bench. The committee would be supervised by former [[Andhra Pradesh High Court]] judge, B. Seshasayana Reddy.<ref name="hindu NGT 1">{{cite news |first1=Shinjini|last1=Ghosh |title=Visakhapatnam gas leak: NGT directs LG Polymers India to deposit ₹50 crore |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/andhra-pradesh/visakhapatnam-gas-leak-ngt-directs-lg-polymers-india-to-deposit-50-crore/article31532759.ece?homepage=true |accessdate=8 May 2020 |work=The Hindu |date=8 May 2020}}</ref>
On 8 May, the bench ordered LG Polymers India to deposit an amount of {{INRConvert|50|c|lk=on}} as an initial amount with the [[District magistrate]] of Vishakapattanam to mitigate the damages caused due to the incident.<ref name="outlook ngt 1">{{cite news |title=Vizag Gas Leak: NGT Issues Notice To Centre, Directs LG Polymers To Deposit Rs 50 Cr |url=https://www.outlookindia.com/website/story/india-news-vizag-gas-leak-ngt-issues-notice-to-centre-directs-lg-polymers-to-deposit-rs-50-cr-for-damages/352320 |accessdate=8 May 2020 |work=[[Press Trust of India]] |publisher=[[Outlook (Indian magazine)|The Outlook]]}}</ref> It had issued notices to the [[Andhra Pradesh Pollution Control Board]] (APPCB), the [[Central Pollution Control Board]] (CPCB) and the Union [[Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change]] (MoEFCC), in which it had sought the responses of the individual boards and the ministry. It had also constituted a five-member fact-finding committee to probe the incident and to deliver a report to the bench. The committee would be supervised by former [[Andhra Pradesh High Court]] judge, B. Seshasayana Reddy.<ref name="hindu NGT 1">{{cite news |first1=Shinjini|last1=Ghosh |title=Visakhapatnam gas leak: NGT directs LG Polymers India to deposit ₹50 crore |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/andhra-pradesh/visakhapatnam-gas-leak-ngt-directs-lg-polymers-india-to-deposit-50-crore/article31532759.ece?homepage=true |accessdate=8 May 2020 |work=The Hindu |date=8 May 2020}}</ref>


==== Human Rights Commission ====
==== Human Rights Commission ====
The same day as the incident, the [[National Human Rights Commission of India]] gave notice to the Andhra Pradesh Government and the central government that it considers the incident a violation of India's Constitutional [[Fundamental rights in India#Right to life|right to life]]. The Commission did, however, acknowledge that "there are no reports regarding human error or negligence" on any behalf, and that it would be seeking a further detailed report from the Andhra Pradesh Government on rescue operations, medical treatment and rehabilitation. It also asked the Union Ministry of Corporate Affairs to investigate any possible breaches of workplace health and safety law. Both reports are expected to be delivered within four weeks.<ref>{{cite web|title=NHRC notice to Andhra Pradesh Government and Centre over deaths and sufferings to several people due to styrene gas leakage in Vizag District (07.05.2020)|url=https://nhrc.nic.in/media/press-release/nhrc-notice-andhra-pradesh-government-and-centre-over-deaths-and-sufferings|publisher=[[National Human Rights Commission of India]]|accessdate=7 May 2020|ref=7 May 2020}}</ref>
The [[National Human Rights Commission of India|National Human Rights Commission]] (NHRC) issued a notice to the state and the central governments over the accident. NHRC criticized the incident as gross violation of [[Fundamental rights in India#Right to life|right to life]]. It called on the local government to prepared a detailed report on the accident as well as rescue and relief operations.<ref>{{cite web |title=NHRC notice to Andhra Pradesh Government and Centre over deaths and sufferings to several people due to styrene gas leakage in Vizag District (07.05.2020) |url=https://nhrc.nic.in/media/press-release/nhrc-notice-andhra-pradesh-government-and-centre-over-deaths-and-sufferings |publisher=[[National Human Rights Commission of India]] |accessdate=7 May 2020 |ref=7 May 2020}}</ref>


== See also ==
== See also ==

Revision as of 13:25, 11 May 2020

Visakhapatnam gas leak
Date7 May 2020 (2020-05-07)
Time3:00 a.m. IST
(21:30 UTC+05:30)
LocationR. Venkatapuram, Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, India
Coordinates17°45′19″N 83°12′32″E / 17.75528°N 83.20889°E / 17.75528; 83.20889
CauseImproper maintenance, operational errors and improper storage of styrene (suspected)
Deaths13[1]
Non-fatal injuries1,000+[1]
Map

The Visakhapatnam gas leak, also referred to as the Vizag gas leak, was an industrial accident that occurred at the LG Polymers chemical plant in R. R. Venkatapuram village near Gopalapatnam on the outskirts of Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, India, on the early morning of 7 May 2020. The resultant vapour cloud spread over a radius of about 3 kilometres (1.9 mi), affecting the nearby areas and villages. As of 5 p.m. (UTC) 8 May, the death toll was 13,[2][3][4] and more than 1,000 people were sick after being exposed to the gas.

According to preliminary investigations, improper maintenance of units storing the styrene gas, improper storage and operation errors are suspected to be the cause of the leak.[5] The Andhra Pradesh government has announced an ex gratia of ₹1 crore each for the deceased as well as funds for the injured, allocating a budget ₹30 crore for the compensation all those affected.[6][7]

Background

The chemical plant at Venkatapuram village was established in 1961 as Hindustan Polymers.[8] It manufactures polystyrene, its co-polymer products,[8] and engineering plastic compounds.[9] In 1978, it was merged with McDowell & Co. In 1997 it was was acquired by South Korea-based LG Chem, which renamed it LG Polymers India.[8]

Leakage and effects

Facilities and leakage

On 7 May 2020, the plant was re-opened following the lockdown implemented to mitigate the COVID-19 pandemic.[10] The plant had 2,000 metric tons (2,000 long tons; 2,200 short tons) of styrene stored in tanks,[11] which were left unattended during the lockdown.[12] Styrene monomer must be stored between 20–22 °C (68–72 °F) or else it will rapidly vaporize.[13] It is believed that a computer glitch in the factory's cooling system caused the temperature to rise above the 20 degree safety limit which caused the vapor pressure to rise.[14] Between 2:30 a.m. and 3:00 a.m., when maintenance activity was in progress, the gas leaked from the plant and spread to the nearby villages.[15][16][11][9]

Acute effects

File:Vizag Gas Leak Many feared killed after leak in chemical factory.webm
Unconscious people found in the streets after the accident

As of 7 May, the fumes had spread over a radius of 3 kilometres (1.9 mi).[17][11][18] Five villages—R. R. Venkatapuram, Padmapuram, BC Colony, Gopalapatnam and Kamparapalem—were the most affected areas.[19] Hundreds of people rushed to hospitals with breathing difficulties and burning sensation in the eyes.[10] Many had been found lying on the ground unconscious due to the effects of the gas. According to the initial estimate, at least 11 people had died, and 20–25 people were in critical condition.[20] By the next day, the death toll had risen to thirteen.[2] More than 1,000 people were reportedly exposed to the gas.[17]

Also on 7 May, late at night, police ordered the evacuation of people in a 2-km radius around the leak. However, police subsequently stated that this evacuation was precautionary and that there hadn't been a second leak.[21] [22]

Relief and rescue

Nearly 200-250 families were evacuated from villages in a five-kilometre (3.1 mi) radius of the plant. About 300 people were hospitalized, according to a media report.[16][23] The Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh Y. S. Jaganmohan Reddy announced an ex-gratia of ₹1 crore (US$120,000) for kin of deceased.[24] He further announced ₹25,000 (US$300) to those who received primary treatment, ₹1 lakh (US$1,200) to those who received longer treatment, and ₹1 million (US$12,000) to those on ventilator support.[23]

To neutralize the gas, about 500 kilograms (1,100 lb) of the antioxidant 4-tert-butylcatechol (PTBC) will be airlifted by the Government of Andhra Pradesh and sent to the crippled factory. The Central Government flew a specialized CBRN (chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear) team of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) from Pune to the site as well.[25][23]

Investigation

According to initial investigation, a gas valve malfunction is believed to have caused the leak. The leak was from one of two chemical tanks that had been left unattended since March 2020 due to the COVID-19 lockdown.[26] The malfunctioning of the tank's refrigerating unit led to an increase in temperature, causing the liquid chemical to evaporate.[27] The leaked gas is suspected to be evaporated styrene. However, experts have claimed that other chemicals may have also leaked, as styrene is unlikely to spread to 4 or 5 kilometres (2.5 or 3.1 mi) due to its chemical properties.[28][9][29][15][30]

An FIR was filed against LG Chem by the local police under sections 278 (making the atmosphere noxious to health), 284 (negligent conduct with respect to poisonous substance), 285 (negligent conduct with respect to fire or combustible matter), 337 (causing hurt by act endangering life or personal safety of others), 338 (causing grievous hurt by act endangering life) and 304 (causing death by doing any rash or negligent act not amounting to culpable homicide) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).[19]

National Green Tribunal

A petition has been filed in the National Green Tribunal (NGT), demanding an investigation into the incident by a high-level committee.[31] A bench was formed with the NGT Chairperson, Justice Adarsh Kumar Goel, and was scheduled to take the case on 8 May 2020.[32]

On 8 May, the bench ordered LG Polymers India to deposit an amount of ₹50 crore (US$6.0 million) as an initial amount with the District magistrate of Vishakapattanam to mitigate the damages caused due to the incident.[33] It had issued notices to the Andhra Pradesh Pollution Control Board (APPCB), the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), in which it had sought the responses of the individual boards and the ministry. It had also constituted a five-member fact-finding committee to probe the incident and to deliver a report to the bench. The committee would be supervised by former Andhra Pradesh High Court judge, B. Seshasayana Reddy.[34]

Human Rights Commission

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) issued a notice to the state and the central governments over the accident. NHRC criticized the incident as gross violation of right to life. It called on the local government to prepared a detailed report on the accident as well as rescue and relief operations.[35]

See also

References

  1. ^ a b "Visakhapatnam gas leak live updates". The Hindu. 7 May 2020. Retrieved 7 May 2020.
  2. ^ a b "Gas Leak Kills 13, Injures Hundreds in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh". The Weather Channel. Retrieved 8 May 2020.
  3. ^ "Gas leak at LG Polymers plant in India leaves at least 13 people dead". www.cbsnews.com. Retrieved 8 May 2020.
  4. ^ "The Vizag gas leak is the most recent of human disasters with the potential to change our lives forever". Business Insider. Retrieved 8 May 2020.
  5. ^ Bhashkar, Utpal (9 May 2020). "LG Polymers admits leaking vapor from gas storage tank caused Vizag tragedy". The Livemint. Retrieved 10 May 2020.
  6. ^ "మృతుల కుటుంబాలకు నేడు పరిహారం". Sakshi (in Telugu). 11 May 2020. Retrieved 11 May 2020.
  7. ^ "Andhra government sanctions Rs 30 crore for ex-gratia, financial assistance to gas leak victims". The Dispatch. 9 May 2020.
  8. ^ a b c "Company History". LG Polymers India.
  9. ^ a b c "Thick air, pungent smell: How gas leakage tragedy unfolded at Visakhapatnam's LG Polymers plant". The Indian Express. 7 May 2020. Retrieved 7 May 2020.
  10. ^ a b "Hundreds injured and eight dead in Indian gas leak". BBC News. 7 May 2020. Retrieved 7 May 2020.
  11. ^ a b c "Vizag Gas Leak LIVE Updates: 8 Dead, 300 Hospitalised & Over 5,000 Sick After Leak at LG Polymers Chemical Plant; PM Modi Calls for NDMA Meet at 11am". News18. 7 May 2020. Retrieved 7 May 2020.
  12. ^ Gettleman, Jeffrey; Raj, Suhasini; Schultz, Kai; Yasir, Sameer (7 May 2020). "Gas Leak in India at LG Factory Kills 11 and Sickens Hundreds". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 7 May 2020.
  13. ^ "Safe handling and storage of styrene monomer" (PDF). Chevron Phillips Chemical. Retrieved 8 May 2020.
  14. ^ "Gas Leak in Vizag: Glitch in refrigeration unit led to Vizag gas leak | Visakhapatnam News - Times of India". The Times of India. 7 May 2020. Retrieved 7 May 2020.
  15. ^ a b "Visakhapatnam gas leak live updates: Jagan announces Rs. 1 crore relief". The Hindu. 7 May 2020. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 7 May 2020.
  16. ^ a b "Massive gas leak in Visakhapatnam, thousands affected, Centre monitoring situation: 10 points". India Today. Retrieved 7 May 2020.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  17. ^ a b G, Siva. "Vizag LG Polymers Gas leak: 11 dead, over 5,000 fall sick after gas leak from LG Polymers". The Times of India. Retrieved 7 May 2020.
  18. ^ Ellis-Petersen, Hannah; Safi, Michael; Dhillon, Amrit; Chandrasekhar, Aruna (7 May 2020). "Gas leak at chemical factory in India kills at least nine and hospitalises hundreds". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 7 May 2020.
  19. ^ a b Bhattacharjee, Sumit (7 May 2020). "Visakhapatnam gas leak claims 11 lives; over 350 in hospitals". The Hindu. Retrieved 7 May 2020.
  20. ^ Vedika Sud; Akanksha Sharma; Jessie Yeung; Esha Mitra; Emma Reynolds. "Toxic gas leak at Indian chemical plant kills at least 11 and hospitalizes hundreds". CNN. Retrieved 7 May 2020.
  21. ^ "Vizag Gas Leak News Update: No! There was no second Gas Leak in Vizag". SA News Channel. 8 May 2020.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  22. ^ "'Evacuation precautionary': Vizag police dismiss report of second gas leak". Hindustan Times. 8 May 2020.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  23. ^ a b c "Vizag gas leak Updates: Andhra govt to airlift 500 kgs of PTBC from Daman to neutralise chemical; special NDRF team to fly in from Pune". Firstpost. Retrieved 7 May 2020.
  24. ^ "Vizag Gas Leak LIVE Updates: 11 Dead, Over 5,000 Sick After Leak at LG Polymers Plant; CM Announces Rs 1 Crore for Kin of Deceased". News18. 7 May 2020. Retrieved 7 May 2020.
  25. ^ Vora, Rutam. "Gujarat to airlift PTBC chemical for Vizag gas leak crisis". @businessline. Retrieved 7 May 2020.
  26. ^ "Visakhapatnam Gas Leak Updates: Day after tragedy, gas fumes begin leaking again". India Today. Retrieved 7 May 2020.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  27. ^ Pathak, Analiza (7 May 2020). "Technical glitch in refrigeration unit caused Visakhapatnam gas leak: Official". India TV News. Retrieved 8 May 2020.
  28. ^ "Vizag gas leak: What is styrene and how does it affect the body?". The News Minute. 7 May 2020. Retrieved 7 May 2020.
  29. ^ "Vizag gas leak live news updates: Toll rises to 11; NHRC sends notice to Andhra Pradesh govt, Centre". The Times of India. Retrieved 7 May 2020.
  30. ^ Basu, Mohana (7 May 2020). "How styrene, chemical being blamed for Vizag gas leak deaths, affect human body". ThePrint. Retrieved 7 May 2020.
  31. ^ "Plea in NGT seeks judicial probe into Visakhapatnam gas leak incident". Asian News International. 7 May 2020. Retrieved 7 May 2020.
  32. ^ "NGT to take up Visakhapatnam gas leak case on Friday". The Statesman (India). 7 May 2020. Retrieved 7 May 2020.
  33. ^ "Vizag Gas Leak: NGT Issues Notice To Centre, Directs LG Polymers To Deposit Rs 50 Cr". Press Trust of India. The Outlook. Retrieved 8 May 2020.
  34. ^ Ghosh, Shinjini (8 May 2020). "Visakhapatnam gas leak: NGT directs LG Polymers India to deposit ₹50 crore". The Hindu. Retrieved 8 May 2020.
  35. ^ "NHRC notice to Andhra Pradesh Government and Centre over deaths and sufferings to several people due to styrene gas leakage in Vizag District (07.05.2020)". National Human Rights Commission of India. Retrieved 7 May 2020.
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