Exposed to Chlorine, 22 People Fall Sick in Orissa

Nearly 22 people, including women and children, have fallen sick after getting exposed to chlorine gas leaked from a tank in Berhampur town of Orissa, said media reports.

“The tank was kept in the premises of the public health department office to purify water. How it leaked out is yet to be ascertained,” Berhampur Superintendent of Police Safeen Ahmed was quoted as saying by IANS.

When the affected people complained of pain in chest and difficulty in breathing, they were hospitalized, reports said.

Officials said that victims are now out of danger, said reports.

Schools, and private and government offices in the nearby areas were immediately ordered closed, reports said.

“Efforts are on to contain the leakage,” he was quoted as saying.

(Based on internet reports)