Vizag Gas Leak: Horrific pictures of people and animal lying on the streets

Eight people, including two children, died while over 200 people were hospitalised after a gas leakage from LG Polymers chemical plant at RR Venkatapuram village, Visakhapatnam in Andhra Pradesh.

Tragedy struck Andhra Pradesh early on Thursday as gas leaked from a chemical unit in the city, leaving one minor among 7 people dead, more than 70 left unconscious, with at least five sleeping hamlets affected unaware as most were still in bed.

Initial casualties included a 8-year-old girl. One man is reported to have died when he jumped into a well while another person fell off the balcony of his house as the gas leak at the LG Polymers unit

A boy affected by a chemical gas leak is carried for medical treatment in Vishakhapatnam.

A boy affected by a chemical gas leak is carried to an ambulance in Vishakhapatnam

In scenes reminiscent of the Bhopal gas tragedy of 1984, the streets and hospitals of Visakhapatnam were filled with people in panic, scared to breathe and unable to fathom the silent tragedy that struck them.

Panic struck in surrounding areas following a suspected gas leak in a chemical factory in the RR Venkatapuram village, Vishakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh

Eyewitness said that many people were lying unconscious on the ground

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said he had spoken to home ministry and disaster management officials and tweeted: "I pray for everyone's safety and well-being in Visakhapatnam." Minutes later, the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) announced the PM's meeting with NDMA officials.

Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot and Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan and former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav were also among those to express sorrow over the incident, offering condolences to bereaved families.