VISAKHAPATNAM: Five workers were hospitalized after being exposed to acetonitrile, a toxic gas, during the transfer of chemical bags at Shravan Shipping on Friday night. The incident occurred while the workers were moving bags of acetonitrile from one container to another.
The affected workers, identified as Gunupur Ramu, Lakshmi, Latha, Kumari, and Demudu Babu, were initially taken to Simhagiri Hospital in Gajuwaka. Following instructions from the District Collector, they were later transferred to KIMS Icon Hospital around 2:00 a.m. for more advanced treatment.
District Collector M.N. Harendhira Prasad and MLA Gana Babu visited KIMS Icon Hospital on Saturday to review the workers' conditions. In response to the incident, District Collector Prasad promptly alerted local RDOs and Tehsildars to provide immediate medical assistance. Commissioner of Police Dr. Shanka Brata Bagchi also visited the hospital to assess the situation, discuss the case with doctors, and ensure the workers received appropriate care.
As of Saturday morning, Demudu Babu, who was initially in critical condition, has shown positive progress and is now stable.
Shravan Shipping Services Ltd., established in August 1997 in Visakhapatnam, offers comprehensive logistics services in Visakhapatnam, Kakinada, and Hyderabad. The company specializes in handling bulk and containerized cargo, including coal, crude oil, project machinery, fertilizers, and other products. It serves various industries such as fertilizers, chemicals, food grains, and petroleum products, providing steamer, stevedoring, clearing, and forwarding services.