Video: Piliyandala Gas leak: 70 in hospital

22 October 2013 01:00 am Views - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}} 6 Bookmark

CHATURANGA PRADEEP SAMARAWICKRAMA Follow

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More than 70 people including residents were hospitalised following a gas leak from a chemical factory in Piliyandala in the early hours today, police said.

They said the victims were admitted to the Kalubowila and Piliyandala hospitals after complaining of breathing difficulties

Residents living in close proximity to the factory were the worst affected. The police said they would submit a report on this matter to the Kesbewa Magistrate.

Government Analyst, Central Environmental Authority officials, health authorities and laboratory technicians of the Colombo University visited the scene and are carrying out investigations.

They suspect that a mixture of Ammonium Bicarbonate and Hydrochloride from the factory had caused the air pollution. The gas leak had affected animals and the vegetation in the surrounding area. The leaves on many trees were seen to have withered away.

Meanwhile the factory was closed pending investigations (Siri Mahabellana, Kusal Chamath)
Video by Siri Mahabellana

Pix by Nisal Baduge

Pix by Muditha Dayananda

Pix by Sirimaha Bellana

Comments - 6

ANTON Tuesday, 22 October 2013 02:09 AM

WHO GAVE THE PERMISSION TO OPEN CHEMICAL FACTORIES IN RESIDENTIAL AREAS.

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Nish Tuesday, 22 October 2013 06:35 AM

The Responsible persons should consider about the location of this kind of factories before giving permission.

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mollamaari Tuesday, 22 October 2013 07:38 AM

There could have been another scenario. The factories existed long before people settled there from main Colombo city!! So your question could be vice-versa.

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Santhosh Tuesday, 22 October 2013 07:40 AM

A request to the relevant authority from a resident of the area, if you really care of the well being of the general public please take immediate action to close down this factory. That will be the "WONDER OF ASIA".

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Rubert Vanderkoon Tuesday, 22 October 2013 07:52 AM

Responsible persons ?? Thy don´t exist here.

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Hakeem Tuesday, 22 October 2013 11:56 AM

I will put it this way. Who allowed people to settle down in places where dangerous chemical factories are erected? Its like why allow people to settle down where elephants roam?

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