Visakhapatnam Gas Leak: Causes, Consequences, and Lessons Learned

The tragic Visakhapatnam gas leak, also referred to as the Vizag gas leak, is a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities in industrial settings and the critical importance of proper safety and maintenance protocols.

The Incident

The gas leak occurred at the LG Polymers chemical plant in R. R. Venkatapuram village near Gopalapatnam on the outskirts of Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, India, in the early morning of 7 May 2020. The incident resulted in a severe vapor cloud that spread over a radius of about three kilometers, affecting nearby areas and villages.

Death Toll and Casualties

According to the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), the death toll from the gas leak was 11, with over 1000 people becoming ill after exposure to the toxic gas. The incident highlights the severe health risks associated with industrial accidents and the need for stringent safety measures.

Investigations and Causes

Initial investigations indicated that the accident was likely the result of improper maintenance of units storing the styrene monomer, improper storage, and operational errors. The styrene monomer, a flammable liquid, must be stored between 20-22 °C (68-72 °F) above which it rapidly vaporizes. A computer glitch in the factory's cooling system allowed temperatures in the storage tanks to exceed safe levels, causing styrene to vaporize.

Response and Compensation

Following the incident, the Andhra Pradesh government announced an ex gratia payment of 1 crore (US$140,000 or €130,000) for the kin of the deceased and funds for the injured. A budget of 30 crores (US$4.2 million or €3.9 million) was allocated for compensating all affected individuals.

The plant was re-opened on 7 May 2020 following a nationwide lockdown implemented as a response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Prior to the reopening, efforts were made to neutralize the gas. Around 500 kilograms (1100 lb) of 4-tert-butylcatechol (PTBC), an antioxidant, was airlifted by the Government of Andhra Pradesh and sent to the affected area. A specialized CBRN (chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear) team of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) was flown in from Pune to assist in the response.

Key Takeaways and Lessons

The Visakhapatnam gas leak underscores the need for stringent safety protocols, regular maintenance, and the importance of technology in ensuring industrial safety. Professional training and awareness programs can help prevent accidental releases of hazardous chemicals and minimize their impact on communities.

Conclusion

The tragic gas leak at LG Polymers in Visakhapatnam serves as a critical lesson in the importance of safety in chemical plants. While technical solutions like antioxidants and specialized response teams can help mitigate the effects of such incidents, the root cause lies in human error and inadequate maintenance. The incident has sparked renewed discussions about the need for stringent safety measures and improved emergency response protocols in industrial settings.