The death toll of Odia migrant workers in the Tamil Nadu ammonia gas leak tragedy has climbed to nine after another woman succumbed to her injuries.
The latest victim, identified as Rita Juang from Tangiri Dubanali Sahi under Telkoi block in Keonjhar district, died while undergoing treatment.
The incident occurred on June 21, 2026, at a private seafood processing and export unit in Tiruvallur district. Ammonia gas leaked from the facility, exposing workers to toxic fumes. Many of the victims belonged to the Juang community, a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG) from Keonjhar, who had migrated to Tamil Nadu in search of livelihood.
Most of the deceased were young women in their late teens and early twenties. With Rita Juang’s death, the tragedy has claimed nine lives from Odisha. Several others remain hospitalised in Tamil Nadu, with some reported to be in critical condition.
Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely. The Odisha government has already deputed officials to coordinate relief measures and assist affected families.
