Praying for everyone's safety and well-being: Modi on gas leak incident in Vizag

Modi tweeted, "Spoke to officials of MHA and NDMA regarding the situation in Visakhapatnam, which is being monitored closely. I pray for everyone’s safety and well-being in Visakhapatnam."

At least five people including an eight-year-old child died and more than 200 people fell sick and admitted to different hospitals in Visakhapatnam after a Styrene gas from a chemical plant leaked at around 3 am early on Thursday.

Union Minister of State for Home G Kishan Reddy talking to a private satellite channel confirmed that five people died after a gas leaked from a plant of LG Polymers Chemical plant near Gopalpatnam area.

Sources said all the five died while undergoing treatment at King George Hospital (KGH) in the port city.

Ambulances, fire engines and policemen have reached the the chemical plant.

According to initial reports, styrene gas from the plant spread over a radius of about three kilometres, affecting at least five villages. Hundreds of people fell unconscious after inhaling the poisonous gas.

The gas reportedly spread over a radius of about three kilometres, affecting at least five villages including R.R. Venkatapuram, Padmapuram, B.C. Colony and Kamparapalem.

Residents near the Chemical Gas plant reported of burning sensation in their eyes and difficulty in breathing, officials said.

Many cows, dogs have died after getting exposed to the poisonous gas.