Ammonia leak from FACT storage tank in Kochi

Kochi: The leakage of ammonia gas from the storage tank of FACT on Willingdon Island created panic on Saturday. It caused physical discomfort to many including students of nearby schools, and 14 persons reached hospitals in the city.

One person at Medical Trust Hospital and another at Port Trust Hospital are under observation. The condition of both is stable.  

Sethu Nandan, a fire officer of BPCL who tried to seal the leakage, suffered 2 percent burns and was admitted to Medical Trust Hospital while Ratheesh, another fire officer, suffered minor injuries. 

CISF constable Jacquard admitted to Port Trust Hospital is suffering from nausea and shivering.  Others got discharged after receiving first aid. 

Out of this, nine were officials who tried to contain the leakage belonging to Fire Service, CISF, Port Trust, FACT and BPCL. 

Three were students from Kendriya Vidyalayas and two others students of a nursing school.         

The leakage was noticed around 1 pm, and the district medical officer was informed about it around 3 pm. 

The rapid response team of the health department led by Dr Sreedevi reached the spot immediately, and preparations made at the general hospital to meet any emergency.

A team led by deputy collector Sheela Devi, in charge of district disaster management authority, visited the spot and held discussions with the general manager of FACT Cochin division and the district officer of Factories and Boilers. 

A team of district-level officials visited the hospitals and enquired about the condition of the affected persons.