LG polymers CEO Arrested

Over 12 people, including the CEO, two directors and some staff of LG Polymers have been arrested, in connection with the styrene gas leak incident that occurred at LG Polymers in Vizag recently. Fourteen people were killed after the hazardous gas leaked from the Polymers plant on May 7, 2020.

The arrested people include LG Polymers MD and technical director, both foreign nationals.

It may be recalled that a high-level committee constituted to probe into the tragedy submitted a report stating that negligence on the part of officials in ensuring safety measures led to the disaster. The report blamed the LG officials for the disaster. The committee said that it found multiple discrepancies in the plant that led to the tragedy. It also found that uncontrolled gas release from the N6 tank led to the disaster.

The committee had invited citizens to pose questions over the incident. Over 1,200 queries, 180 calls and 250 emails were received by the committee.

There is buzz that the LG Polymers plant would be shifted far away from residential areas to ensure protection to the people from toxic gases and vapours emanating from the plant.

On the fateful day, over 10 people at Venkatapuram died after inhaling the toxic gas while many others were hospitalised after they fainted while running out of their houses fearing for their life.

On information, Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy rushed to the city and visited the people lodged at the hospitals. He also announced an ex-gratia of Rs 1 crore to each of the victims, the highest compensation ever given to victims in the state.