At least 35 people were today taken ill, some even falling unconscious, after chlorine gas leaked from a cylinder of urban water supply department in Berhampur district of Orissa.
The affected persons included some school children, women and employees of the drinking water supply department.
"They were admitted to MKCG Medical College Hospital in Berhampur and their condition is 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 problems following the gas leak. The tree leaves had turned yellow after the incident.
The district administration has ordered closure of all schools in nearby area and officials of the chlorine supplier have been informed, sources said.
