Seven persons, including a six-year-old girl, died and scores of others were admitted to the 30-bed government hospital at Gopalapatnam and the King George Hospital, following the leakage of poisonous gas from the Hindustan Polymers plant at RR Venkatapuram, Gopalapatnam, Visakhapatnam, on Thursday.

The death toll was confirmed by the Principal of Andhra Medical College Prof. P.V. Sudhakar and GVMC Commissioner S. Srijana. Prof. Sudhakar said that the death toll might increase and hourly monitoring of patients admitted is being done. The toll free number 1800 4250 0009 is available for assistance.

The gas leak occurred at the LG Polymers Plant between 2.30 a.m. and 3 a.m. and reportedly spread over a radius of about three km, affecting at least five villages, including R.R. Venkatapuram, Padmapuram, B.C. Colony and Kamparapalem.

Commissioner of Police Rajeev Kumar Meena said that around 100 to 200 people have been shifted to King George Hospital in the city with breathing problems and vomiting. According to initial reports, there was a leak of styrene gas from the plant, and people in the area were caught unawares, said the Commissioner. Styrene is a neuro-toxin and inhalation leads to immobilisation and eventual death in ten minutes, say doctors.

Here are the latest updates:

Styrene, a poisonous gas, could have triggered series of explosions

The styrene gas that leaked from LG Polymers which has killed at least seven people and created panic in several areas of Visakhapatnam leading to fleeing of homes in the vicinity of the plant is a poisonous, inflammable gas used in plastic engineering industry, and could have triggered a series of explosions, according to experts.

Dr. D Raghunatha Rao, former Director, Homi Bhabha Cancer Hospital and Research Centre said styrene is primarily used in the production of polystyrene plastics and resins. Acute (short-term) exposure to styrene in humans results in mucous membrane and eye irritation, and gastrointestinal effects.

Cover your face with wet cloth: GVMC

The Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation is working along with police and NDRF to subside the gas leak effect by blowing water through water blowers.

They are also instructing people on the precautions to be taken such as covering their face with wet cloth.

GVMC has also asked people to call the toll free number 1800 4250 0009 for assistance.

PM Modi speaks to CM Jagan, assures all assistance

Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy regarding the situation in Visakhapatnam, said the PMO's office.

He assured all help and support, it added.

Assist those affected, says Rahul Gandhi to Congress workers

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi asked party workers in the area to assist those affected by the gas leak.

"I’m shocked to hear about the Vizag Gas Leak. I urge our Congress workers & leaders in the area to provide all necessary support & assistance to those affected. My condolences to the families of those who have perished. I pray that those hospitalised make a speedy recovery," he wrote on Twitter.

PM Modi, Amit Shah expresses concern

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah said that they are in touch with the authorities in Visakhapatnam regarding the incident.

PM Modi has convened a meeting of the National Disaster Management Authority in the wake of the situation in Visakhapatnam following a gas leak incident, the Prime Minister’s Office said.

The meet has been convened at 11.00 a.m., the PMO tweeted. Home Minister Amit Shah and MoS G. Kishan Reddy are expected to attend the meeting at PM's residence.

"The incident in Vizag is disturbing. Have spoken to the NDMA officials and concerned authorities. We are continuously and closely monitoring the situation. I pray for the well-being of the people of Visakhapatnam," wrote Home Minister Amit Shah on Twitter.

People in 5km radius affected, says official

Minister of State G. Kishan Reddy spoke to Chief Secretary and DGP of Andhra Pradesh and extended all from Centre to deal with the tragedy.

An NDRF Team has reached the factory where the gas leak took place.

According to latest update, people living in five kilometre radius have been affected, said an official. This includes policemen posted in the area.

Considering that the government hospital is up to capacity, Mr. Reddy asked the Chief Secretary to use private hopsitals for treatment.

CM enquires about gas leak, leaves for Vizag

Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy enquired about the gas leak, and is expected to visit the port city to obtain a first-hand account of the disaster.

The CM has instructed the Collector to take necessary rescue and relief measures, and to shift the people to safety. 

Meanwhile, Minister for Industries and Commerce Mekapati Goutham Reddy instructed the district officials to set up a helpline number to cater to the residents of Narava, R.R. Puram, Tailors' Colony, BC Colony, Bapuji Nagar, Kamparapalem and Krishna Nagar areas. 

He also directed the Special Chief Secretary (Industries) R. Karikal Valaven to extend every assistance required by the district administration.

2,000 evacuated

According to the police, about 2,000 people have been evacuated to various places, and many residents have moved out on their own.

District Collector V. Vinay Chand said that about 300 beds had been kept ready and people had been asked to cover their faces with wet cloth.

An National Disaster Response Force team has reached the spot to evacuate people.

According to a resident, the police reached the spot around 3 a.m. and alerted the residents using loud speakers and siren. The Commissioner of Police said that the police had to break open doors to evacuate the residents. The Collector said that ambulances, police vans and APSRTC buses were deputed to evacuate the people.