Date:29/05/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/05/29/stories/2008052961551300.htm

National

Gas leak: Two Tata officials arrested

Raktima Bose

JAMSHEDPUR: Two officials of the Tata water treatment plant here have been arrested in connection with the chlorine gas leak at the plant which led to over 180 people falling ill on Tuesday.

“The plant in-charge B.K. Sarkar and the plant safety manager S.A. Ghatak were arrested,” said Naveen Kumar, Superintendent of Police, East Singbhum.

East Singbhum district Collector R.K. Aggarwal said: “The sub-divisional office of the Jamshedpur police will conduct an enquiry. The Jharkhand Pollution Control Board will assess the damage to prevent such incidents.”

All those affected in the gas leak have been discharged from Tata Motors Hospital.

“I was playing near the playground when my eyes started burning and I had breathing problem. Soon, I felt dizzy and fainted,” said nine-year-old Neelam Singh. She was rushed to hospital and admitted to the intensive care unit.

Another victim Manoj Kumar Singh said: “Gas was leaking from the plant from early on Tuesday. But the Tata Motors authority made no attempt to warn people of the possible danger.”

“The leak has been plugged and the situation is under control,” said Tata Motors.

Chief Minister Madhu Koda visited the site and promised to take action against those responsible for the accident.