Over 40 people were hospitalised after inhaling toxic fumes, suspected to have leaked from a pipeline at a pesticide manufacturing unit in Kudikadu, located in the SIPCOT industrial estate, Cuddalore, on Friday (September 5, 2025).
The incident occurred at Crimsun Organics. Panic gripped the residents of surrounding villages who came out of their houses after thick fumes started emanating from the unit. Police said the leak was suspected from a pipeline connected to a reactor. The fumes were brought under control.
An official said a team, including police personnel and Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board, reached the site and started probing the exact cause of the incident. Over 40 persons have been admitted to the Cuddalore Government Hospital and their condition is said to be stable.
T. Arul Selvam of the SIPCOT Area Community Environmental Monitors (SACEM), an environmental watchdog said a similar mishap was reported in the same unit in 2021, which resulted in the death of four persons. The industry manufactured chemicals, which are known to be toxic and have both environmental and health hazards. The incident occurred due to a neglect of safety norms, he said.
District Collector Sibi Adhithya Senthil Kumar was not available for comment.
Published – September 05, 2025 01:27 pm IST
