Ammonia Leak At Tamil Nadu Factory Kills Five Odisha Women Workers, Dozens Hospitalised

The recent ammonia gas leak tragedy in Tamil Nadu’s Tiruvallur district , which claimed the lives of five women workers from Odisha , has once again highlighted the risks faced by migrant labourers working in industrial units across states .

According to officials, the workers were employed at a private fish meal export factory , where an ammonia-based refrigeration system is used for processing and storage. The leak left 74 workers affected , with 67 undergoing treatment , while several remain in critical condition .

Authorities from Odisha confirmed that all five deceased women hailed from Keonjhar district , and efforts are underway to bring back their mortal remains. Odisha Labour Minister Ganesh Ram Singkhuntia said state officials are coordinating with Tamil Nadu authorities for post-mortem, treatment, and repatriation arrangements .

Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi announced an ex gratia of ₹4 lakh for the families of the deceased. A team of Odisha officials has been deployed to Tamil Nadu, while senior officers are monitoring the situation.

The tragedy also reflects the broader pattern of labour migration from Odisha to industrial states like Tamil Nadu , driven by limited local employment, irregular agricultural income, and better wage opportunities in factories . Many workers are recruited through labour contractors , who promise jobs, accommodation, and quick placement in industrial units.

However, experts note that migrant workers often face significant workplace risks , including exposure to hazardous chemicals, inadequate safety training, weak enforcement of industrial safety standards, and poor living conditions . Language barriers and limited awareness of labour rights further increase their vulnerability.

Industries such as seafood processing, textiles, and manufacturing depend heavily on migrant labour, but accidents like ammonia leaks underline gaps in safety systems, emergency preparedness, and compliance monitoring .

Officials said 67 injured workers are receiving treatment in hospitals across Tiruvallur and Chennai , with some in intensive care due to toxic inhalation injuries . Medical teams are providing oxygen support and continuous monitoring.

The incident has intensified calls for stricter enforcement of hazardous chemical safety norms and factory inspections , especially in units employing large numbers of migrant workers far from their home states.