Guwahati: A high-pressure nitrogen leak sparked mass panic in Samaguri, Assam, on Tuesday. The gas escaped from a tanker parked along National Highway 127 in the Nagaon district. Residents fled their homes as thick fumes rolled into the neighborhood.
The tanker had been involved in a crash two days prior. Police held the vehicle in custody, yet workers attempted to transfer the cargo into another transport. Safety protocols were ignored. No protective gear was used during the risky operation.
The tanker belongs to an oxygen plant based in Gendhali. Officials have yet to provide updates on injuries or the exact cause of the breach. Nitrogen acts as a silent killer. The gas displaces oxygen, creating a major suffocation risk in poorly ventilated areas.
Authorities are currently investigating the circumstances of the transfer. Locals remain on edge. "Nitrogen is an asphyxiant gas that can displace oxygen in the surrounding air, creating a serious risk of suffocation, particularly in enclosed or poorly ventilated spaces," stated local reports regarding the incident.
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