Shahdol (MP), Oct 13: At least 85 labourers fell sick one of them seriously, following leakage of chlorine gas from Asia's biggest paper manufacturing unit, orient paper mill at Amlai, about 30 km from here today, a senior official said. District Collector Deepali Rastogi told newsmen that the chlorine gas leaked from a pipeline leading to Hukum Chand jute mill from oriental paper mill near bamboo yard at 8:30 am, affecting mostly labourers working in the factory.
The workers complained of difficulty in breathing and burning sensation in their eyes after they were exposed to the leaked gas, she said, adding that they were admitted to local hospitals, including one run by the paper mill.
A magisterial inquiry has been ordered into the incident by the district collector and the probe would be conducted by sub-divisional magistrate, Sohagpur.
Soon after the incident, the district collector as also Superintendent of Police D Srinivas rushed the site along with rescue and relief teams.

A team of experts on industrial security from Satna has been called which is expected to reach the paper mill very soon to extend necessary assistance.
Bureau Report