New Delhi, Delhi, India
In a tragic incident, at least eight people, including a child, have been killed with over 800 rushed to emergency services following the toxic gas leak at a pharmaceutical chemical plant in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh on Thursday. Indian sports fraternity led by cricket captain Virat Kohli extended their heartfelt condolences to the families affected in the Vizag gas leak incident.
Besides Kohli, the likes of Ravichandran Ashwin, Rishabh Pant, Yuvraj Singh, Shikhar Dhawan and Umesh Yadav among others, also tweeted about the incident while expressing condolences to the ones affected.
"My condolences to the families who lost their loved ones in the #VizagGasLeak. Praying for everyone affected and recovering in the hospital," Kohli tweeted.
ALSO READ: Nine killed and over 300 hospitalised after Vizag pharma gas leak
My condolences to the families who lost their loved ones in the #VizagGasLeak. Praying for everyone affected and recovering in the hospital.
— Virat Kohli (@imVkohli) May 7, 2020
"Really unfortunate news of the #VizagGasLeak claiming lives and affecting many others. My deepest condolences to the family members of those deceased and praying for the quick recovery of those affected. Stay strong and safe Vizag," Yuvraj tweeted.
Really unfortunate news of the #VizagGasLeak claiming lives and affecting many others. My deepest condolences to the family members of those deceased and praying for the quick recovery of those affected. Stay strong and safe Vizag
— yuvraj singh (@YUVSTRONG12) May 7, 2020
"A gas tragedy now??? Omg.. The visuals are so disturbing. God !!! Please have mercy," Ashwin wrote on Twitter.
A gas tragedy now??? Omg.. The visuals are so disturbing. God !!! Please have mercy
— lets stay indoors India ?? (@ashwinravi99) May 7, 2020
Praying for everyone affected in Vizag. Condolences to the bereaved families #VizagGasLeak
— Umesh Yaadav (@y_umesh) May 7, 2020
Shocked to hear about the #VizagGasLeak, I feel bad for all who lost their life. My heartfelt condolences to their family and loved ones. Let's all pray for the well-being in Visakhapatnam.
— Shikhar Dhawan (@SDhawan25) May 7, 2020
Visuals which are coming out from Vizag are very disturbing. My deepest condolences to the families of the victims and wishing a speedy recovery to those who are hospitalised #VizagGasLeak
— Rishabh Pant (@RishabhPant17) May 7, 2020
Disturbing to hear about the #VizagGasLeak. Hope affected people recover soon and my condolences to the families who lost their loved ones.
Stay safe Vizag!
— Kidambi Srikanth (@srikidambi) May 7, 2020
Meanwhile, South Korean battery maker LG Chemical Ltd’s owner of the facility said the gas leak has been brought under control.
"We are looking into the exact damages, cause of the death and details of the incident," the company said in a statement.
Whereas, Andhra Pradesh DGP, Damodar Goutam Sawang said that gas has been neutralized and around 800 were shifted to hospital.
“Right now gas has been neutralised. One of the antidote is drinking a lot of water. Around 800 were shifted to hospital, many have been discharged. An investigation will be carried out to see how this happened,” Andhra Pradesh DGP Damodar Goutam Sawang said.
“Vizag Gas Leak is an accident. They were strictly following all protocols. Investigation underway. Forensic teams are also being sent to the spot,” he added.
As per reports, the gas leakage occurred around 3 am at the LG Polymers industry at RR Venkatapuram near Naiduthota area close to Gopalapatnam. Residents, near the chemical gas plant, reported burning sensation in their eyes and difficulty in breathing, officials said.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi prayed for everyone’s safety and well-being while stating that he has spoken to officials at the Home Affairs ministry and the NDMA regarding the incident.