Toxic gas leak at Bangladesh fertiliser unit

Di-ammonium phosphate (DPA) leaked from the DAP Fertiliser Company Limited on the bank of Karnaphuli river last night and firefighters battled until late morning to plug the leakage. DPA is one of a series of water-soluble ammonium phosphate salts that can be produced when ammonia reacts with phosphoric acid. 

Reports quoting officials said one of the gas tanks with 500 tonne capacity leaked at around 11:30 PM on Monday night. The gas quickly spread across large parts of the city. Strong winds blew the gas across a 10-km radius and reports suggested that people felt breathing problems at the southern city’s international airport.  

“The gas spread from the unit causing breathing problems to the people across several kilometres,” officer-in-charge of the nearby police station said. Of the nearly 250 taken ill, 56 people, including more than 10 children, were admitted to hospitals in the port city. All the people being treated were stated be out of danger. Hundreds of residents were evacuated from their homes near the plant, police and fire officials said.