Two sick after gas leak in Odisha ice factory

Odisha Sun Times Bureau
Sambalpur, Jan 24:

Two employees of an ice factory on the outskirts of the western Odisha city of Sambalpur fell ill following a gas leak in the factory.

While fire brigade personnel have rushed to the Shyam cold store on NH 53 near Barehipalli Chhak, efforts are on to plug the gas leak. One of the employees, who was badly exposed to the gas leak has been shifted to a hospital, police sources said.

“We have rushed here following information that gas has leaked at this ice factory at Barehipalli chhak. Since the leaking gas is ammonia, which is soluble in water, we are spraying water to contain the leak and dilute its toxicity. The gas had spread, but now it’s under control,” said fire brigade personnel taming the leak.

“Two persons had fallen sick following exposure to the gas leak. One has been shifted to a hospital for treatment. The reason behind the leakage has not been ascertained. Fire brigade personnel are already on the job,” said Utkal Keshari Das, SDPO Sambalpur, who was also at the spot supervising operations.