Agra, Uttar Pradesh: Panic spread in a village in Agra after ammonia gas leaked from a cold storage unit late Thursday night, causing breathing problems and eye irritation among residents. Several children also started vomiting after inhaling the gas.

The incident occurred at Samadhiya Cold Storage in Kukathri village of Pinahat area. As soon as the information was received, fire brigade teams and police rushed to the spot. Authorities used announcements to evacuate the entire village.

Villagers Evacuated to Safe Location

Due to the strong smell of ammonia, villagers ran out of their homes and moved nearly 2 kilometres away from the village. Animals tied in the area were also released for safety.

About 27 people, including six children, fell ill due to the gas leak. They were taken by ambulance to the Community Health Centre in Pinahat for treatment.

Workers and Children Among the Affected

Those who fell ill included a cold storage worker, Mohammad Salim, a resident of Bareilly’s Nawabganj. Several villagers, including children, also complained of breathing problems, panic and irritation in the eyes.

Among the affected were Parth (12), Madhav (8), Soni (25), Ayushi (14), Pari, Renu and Poonam, along with others who were admitted to the hospital.

Fire Brigade Controls Situation

Around 10 fire brigade vehicles reached the spot and started relief and rescue operations. After several hours of effort, the gas leak was brought under control.

District Magistrate Arvind Mallappa Bangari and other officials also reached the location to monitor the situation.

Officials Say Situation Under Control

Dr. Pramod Kushwaha, in-charge of the Community Health Centre, said most patients complained of anxiety and breathing difficulty but their condition improved after treatment.

Officials said the valve causing the leak has been closed and teams have checked the cold storage facility. Authorities confirmed that no deaths or serious injuries were reported in the incident.