TNPCB rules out industrial causes for gas leak incident in Tiruvottiyur school

The Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board (TNPCB) has ruled out an industrial cause for a gas leak incident at a school in Tiruvottiyur where over 40 students were hospitalized on Friday.

The students experienced a strange smell and difficulty breathing, requiring immediate medical attention. Following the incident, TNPCB officials conducted an inspection at the school premises.

An official said on Saturday that there was no industry nearby as the area was mostly residential and commercial. They said if the leak had come from an outside source, they would have received complaints from the community, but none were reported. The gas leak was determined to be localized, affecting only two areas of the school and not the entire building, raising questions about its origin, the official said.

Waiting for information

The TNPCB has stated that it is still waiting for detailed information from the school on the circumstances surrounding the incident. On Saturday, the TNPCB conducted a thorough survey of the area and announced plans to set up a mobile air surveillance unit to conduct further investigations.

The School Education Department is working with the TNPCB to find the source of the leak and has requested a report in this regard. “We are taking all remedial measures and, if necessary, will order the school to remain closed,” a school education department official said.