Kakinada, Feb 2nd: Two people were killed and many fell sick when Ammonia gas leaked and gushed out with a big sound in Coromandel Fertilizer Factory on the city outskirts early today. City Sub-Divisional Police Officer S Achyutharao, who rushed to the spot, told that two employees of the factory were killed on the spot after inhaling the gas in the process of plugging the leakage. The police identified the deceased as Ramprasad and Madhusudanarao, both operators.

Earlier reports said at least six people were hospitalized and scores of people living in the surrounding areas of fishing harbor felt severe burning sensation and watering of eyes when the gas leaked. Police sources said though many had fallen sick after inhaling the gas, only six of them were rushed to the Government General Hospital in 108 Ambulance service. Revenue and Police authorities rushed to the spot and started relief and rescue operations.

RDO Kishore Kumar said the gas leakage was immediately plugged by the Coramandal plant engineers and the causes of the leakage were being investigated. Preliminary reports indicated that a gas pipeline in the plant burst causing leakage of the gas, he said, adding casualties in the factory were yet to be ascertained.