Ratlam, April 9 (NationPress) A wave of panic swept through the residents of Jaora town in the Ratlam district of Madhya Pradesh following an ammonia gas leak from an ice manufacturing facility late on Tuesday night. The incident occurred at approximately 10:30 p.m., alarming residents in adjacent colonies, including a nearby police residential area.

The leak was initially detected by police officers on night patrol close to a public park situated mere yards from the factory.

The officers reportedly experienced severe eye irritation and a sharp odor, which led them to conduct a further investigation.

Upon their inspection, they discovered that ammonia gas was indeed leaking from the ice production unit.

“The gas dispersed rapidly in the vicinity, causing significant discomfort to numerous residents. Many individuals, especially the elderly, reported irritation from exposure,” stated a police spokesperson on Wednesday.

Emergency response teams from the district administration, police, and the factory management promptly arrived at the scene and successfully halted the leakage. The situation was brought under control within a few hours.

Some affected residents were transported to a nearby hospital for medical evaluation. All were discharged by Wednesday morning after receiving appropriate care.

“A few residents felt unease due to inhaling ammonia gas, but everyone has been treated and discharged. The situation is fully under control now. As a precaution, additional safety measures have been implemented,” reported Ratlam Superintendent of Police (SP) Amit Kumar.

Initial investigations indicate that the leak was caused by a breach in an ammonia supply line. However, officials noted that a comprehensive investigation is currently underway to ascertain the precise cause of the leak.

Teams from the district industrial safety department and the pollution control board have examined the site. Authorities have temporarily closed the factory, suggesting it may be relocated to a different location.

Further actions will be determined based on the results of the ongoing investigation, according to police.