When breath turned pungent mid-sleep: Ammonia leak survivors recount ordeal

A devastating ammonia leak at a seafood processing factory in Tiruvallur district left workers, many young women far from home, in critical condition. The gas, originating from the processing area, seeped into sleeping quarters, incapacitating those off-duty. Emergency services faced delays, with many suffering severe respiratory distress and other ailments. Volunteers and authorities responded, but the incident highlights the vulnerability of workers in such facilities.

By CHRISTOPHER MILTUS