The incident occurred at St Peter’s and Paul Seafoods Exports facility in Kannigaipair near Periyapalayam on Sunday afternoon. Some of those undergoing treatment are said to be in critical condition.

The bodies of the victims have been sent to a government hospital for a post-mortem examination. “A case of accidental death has been registered, and further investigation is underway,” a police officer told news agency PTI.

The gas leak occurred at a private seafood processing unit in Kannigaiper village near Periyapalayam, and dozens of workers residing on the campus were affected.