Video: Piliyandala Gas leak: 70 in hospital

22 Oct 2013 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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