35 fall ill after chlorine gas leak in Orissa

At least 35 people were taken ill, some of them fell unconscious, today after chlorine gas leaked from a cylinder of urban water supply department here.

The affected persons included some school children, women and employees of the drinking water supply department.

"They were admitted to MKCG Medical College Hospital here and their condition has been improving," sub-collector of Berhampur, Ajit Mishra told PTI.

The cylinder, procured from neighbouring Paralakhemundi division to purify water, leaked when someone allegedly tried
to remove the brass nozzle, executive engineer of urban water
supply (Berhampur) DS Mohapatra said.

Locals complained of respiratory problem and leaves turned yellow following the gas leak. 

The district administration has ordered closure of all schools in nearby area and officials of the chlorine supplier have been informed, sources said.