Gas leak in Puducherry claims three lives, two hospitalized
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In a tragic incident in Puducherry on Tuesday, three people, including a young girl, lost their lives after inhaling toxic gas that seeped into their washroom from underground sewer lines.
These sewer lines, which connected the house to sewage treatment plants, had leaked, allowing poisonous gases to infiltrate the residence.
The incident occurred when 80-year-old Senthamarai lost consciousness after entering the restroom. Her daughter, 55-year-old Kamatchi, collapsed in the restroom while trying to assist her mother. Senthamarai’s granddaughter, 35-year-old Bakkiyalakshmi, who was nearby, also fainted after inhaling the toxic fumes.
In a separate but related incident in the same locality, 16-year-old Selvarani was found unconscious in her restroom after inhaling the toxic fumes. Another neighbor, 70-year-old Balakrishnan, was also found unconscious.
All five individuals were rushed to the Indira Gandhi Government Medical College and Research Institute. Unfortunately, Senthamarai and Kamatchi died en route to the hospital, while Selvarani succumbed shortly after being admitted. Bakkiyalakshmi and Balakrishnan are currently receiving medical treatment.
Public Works Department officials and fire workers responded promptly, alerting all residents of 4th Cross Street in Pudhu Nagar to vacate their homes immediately. Police officials stated, "We evacuated everyone from the area and cordoned it off. We provided food for 40 families in the temporary shelter established by the government. Residents were later allowed to return to their homes after the area was deemed safe."
A team from the public health laboratory, Department of Food and Drugs, collected gas samples from the region and sent them for testing at the Central Forensic Science Laboratory in Hyderabad.
In response to the tragedy, the Chief Minister of the Union Territory, N Rangasamy, announced compensation of ₹30 lakh to the next of kin of Selvarani and ₹20 lakh each to the families of Senthamarai and Kamatchi.