42 Jharkhand workers return safely after Tamil Nadu gas leak

Body of deceased worker being airlifted to Ranchi

PNS

Ranchi

Acting on the directions of Chief Minister Hemant Soren, the Jharkhand government has ensured the safe return of all 42 migrant workers from the state who were affected by the ammonia gas leak at a seafood processing facility in Tamil Nadu’s Tiruvallur district. The workers have boarded a train and are on their way back to Jharkhand.

The industrial accident occurred on June 21 at the St. Peter’s & Paul’s Seafoods Exports facility in Tiruvallur district. Taking immediate cognisance of the incident, the Chief Minister directed the Labour, Employment, Training and Skill Development Department and the State Migrant Workers Control Room to take all necessary steps to ensure the safe evacuation and return of the affected workers.

Under the guidance of the department’s Secretary and the Labour Commissioner, the control room coordinated round the clock with the Tiruvallur district administration, the Tamil Nadu Labour Department, the Railway Board, Southern Railway and hospital authorities to carry out rescue and relief operations.

According to the state government, all 42 Jharkhand migrant workers rescued after the incident expressed their willingness to return home. Following a special request from the Jharkhand government and sustained coordination with railway authorities, a dedicated sleeper coach was allotted for the workers on the Alappuzha–Dhanbad Express. The workers departed safely from Chennai Central Railway Station on Tuesday.

The government said adequate arrangements have been made for the workers’ journey, including meals and drinking water through the train’s pantry service and sufficient security by the Railway Protection Force (RPF).

Meanwhile, one of the affected workers, Preeti Devi from Dhanbad, succumbed to her injuries while undergoing treatment at Rajiv Gandhi Government General Hospital in Chennai. The Jharkhand government facilitated the travel of her family members to Tamil Nadu and ensured the timely completion of body identification, post-mortem examination and other legal formalities in coordination with the Tamil Nadu government.

Her mortal remains are being airlifted to Birsa Munda Airport in Ranchi on Tuesday evening. An ambulance has been arranged at the airport to transport the body with due respect to her native district of Dhanbad.

The state government said efforts are also underway to secure compensation and all statutory benefits for the deceased worker’s family. The State Migrant Workers Control Room is coordinating with the employer and the concerned authorities to expedite the process and ensure that the family receives all benefits due under the law.