Chemical leak at dyeing unit leaves 50 people with breathing difficulties in Salem

More than 50 people, including workers and residents, reportedly suffered eye irritation and breathing difficulties following a chemical leak at a dyeing unit in Gugai, in Salem on Tuesday (October 6, 2026) night.

The unit, owned by Mr. Badrinathan, is located on Muniyappan Kovil Street in Ward 47 of the Salem Corporation. More than 10 workers were engaged in dyeing textile yarn at the unit.

According to the police, the workers were mixing hydrochloric acid, which is used in the dyeing process, when they noticed a leak in the dyeing room. The workers reportedly rushed out of the unit after experiencing breathing difficulties. As the unit is located in a residential area, people in nearby houses were also affected by the fumes. They complained of eye irritation and shortness of breath and alerted the Fire and Rescue Services.

A team from the Shevapet Fire and Rescue Services station reached the spot and entered the dyeing room. The firefighters sprayed water and took steps to contain the leak. The situation was brought under control in less than 30 minutes.

The Shevapet police also visited the spot and conducted an inquiry. Residents alleged that chemical leaks from the unit had occurred on earlier occasions, causing discomfort to people living nearby.

The police are investigating whether the unit has the required permissions from the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board and how the hydrochloric acid leaked from the dyeing room.