Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Monday, 22 June announced an ex gratia of ₹4 lakh each from the Chief Minister's Relief Fund (CMRF) to the families of Odia workers killed in an ammonia gas leak at a private seafood processing and export facility in Tiruvallur district, Tamil Nadu. The incident, which occurred on 21 June at Kannigaipair village, claimed the lives of at least seven workers, five of whom were from Keonjhar district in Odisha.

What Happened at the Tiruvallur Facility

The suspected ammonia leak originated from the facility's refrigeration or processing system and rapidly spread across parts of the plant, according to police and official sources. Approximately 120 migrant workers — including women from Assam, Odisha, and Jharkhand — were on the premises at the time, many of whom reside within the factory compound. Workers exposed to the gas reported severe breathing difficulties, dizziness, and irritation; some reportedly suffered bleeding from the mouth and nose, indicating the severity of the exposure.

Odisha Government's Response

Chief Minister Majhi convened an emergency meeting with the Chief Secretary immediately upon receiving news of the incident. Labour Minister Ganesh Ram Singhkhuntia, in a video message, confirmed the death of five Odia workers and said all efforts were under way to repatriate the bodies to Odisha. 'As many as seven persons have lost their lives in the tragic incident that shocked the whole nation, as well as Odisha. Out of those dead, five workers are reported from Keonjhar district in Odisha,' Singhkhuntia said.

Three senior Odisha government officers were dispatched to Tiruvallur to coordinate directly with Tamil Nadu authorities on medical care for the injured and other necessary arrangements.

Inter-State Coordination

Odisha Chief Secretary Anu Garg held discussions with her Tamil Nadu counterpart to ensure proper medical treatment for injured Odia workers and to facilitate all necessary support. The Odisha government has maintained continuous contact with the Tamil Nadu administration since the incident was reported.

Condition of the Injured and What Comes Next

Several workers who were exposed to the ammonia gas remain under medical care. Chief Minister Majhi conveyed his condolences to the bereaved families and wished a speedy recovery to those still hospitalised. The repatriation of the bodies of the deceased workers to Odisha is being actively coordinated by the state government team on the ground. Authorities are expected to conduct a formal inquiry into the cause of the leak at the private seafood export unit.