Senthamarai : “Toxic Gas Incident in Puducherry: 3 Dead, 2 Hospitalized”

In Pudhu Nagar of Puducherry, a heartbreaking incident unfolded on Tuesday morning, resulting in the tragic demise of three individuals, including two women and a 15-year-old girl. The victims, identified as Senthamarai (72), her daughter Kamatchi (55), and their neighbour Selvarani, fell prey to toxic gases that emanated from the bathrooms of their homes.

The chain of events commenced around 8 a.m. when Senthamarai entered her bathroom and suddenly lost consciousness. In a bid to assist her mother, Kamatchi rushed to the scene but succumbed to the toxic fumes herself. Simultaneously, Selvarani, residing in the adjacent house, also fell unconscious in her bathroom due to the gas seepage from the sewage pipe.

Tragically, the incident not only claimed three lives but also left two others, Kamatchi’s daughter, Bakiyalakshmi, and their neighbour Rajeshkanna, hospitalized for medical treatment. The local police swiftly responded by cordoning off the affected area on 4th Cross Road and urging residents to evacuate as a safety precaution.

It has come to light that the underground sewage system, connecting house toilet pipelines in the locality, played a pivotal role in the release of the toxic gas. The sewage water treatment unit in proximity reportedly failed to contain the hazardous gases, leading to their dispersion through the toilet outlets in the residences. Investigations are currently underway to ascertain the exact cause of the tragic incident.

Upon learning of the distressing situation, Puducherry Chief Minister N. Rangasamy and PWD Minister K. Lakshminarayanan promptly visited the site to assess the scenario. Assuring the public, the Chief Minister announced the establishment of a medical camp to offer healthcare services to all residents affected by the incident.

Furthermore, officials conducted thorough inspections of the manholes in Reddipalayam and Pudunagar to prevent a recurrence of such a calamity. As a precautionary measure, individuals in the vicinity have been advised to wear masks to mitigate any potential risks.

Follow-up Actions and Support

The gravity of the situation prompted immediate action from the authorities, with plans underway to provide necessary aid and support to the affected families. The community at large has been urged to remain vigilant and adhere to safety protocols to avert similar tragedies in the future.

As the residents of Pudhu Nagar mourn the loss of their loved ones, efforts are being made to enhance safety measures and bolster the infrastructure to prevent such incidents from recurring. The local administration remains committed to ensuring the well-being and security of all citizens, pledging to implement stringent measures to safeguard public health and safety.

Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story.