CHENNAI: An ammonia leak from a public sector plant that manufacturers urea in Manali caused panic among residents of the Mathur MMDA colony on Thursday night.
People who had gathered on their terraces to sleep suddenly encountered a foul smell which caused their eyes to water and skin to itch. With the Vizag gas leak fresh in their minds, residents rushed downstairs in a panic.
R S Babu, secretary of Mathur MMDA resident welfare association, in a complaint to the district environmental engineer stated that some even felt nauseated, experienced breathlessness and had movement restrictions.
“This has been a chronic issue in the locality but today (Friday), it was severe where the entire area was engulfed in the stench. As it is summer, people kept the windows open. Face masks saved the day for us,” he said. Massive soot particles released from the heavily industrialised area spoil clothes hung on the terrace for drying, he said.
