The Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board (TNPCB) has ruled out an industrial cause for a gas leakage incident at a school in Tiruvottiyur, where over 40 students were hospitalized on Friday.

The students experienced a strange odor and difficulty breathing, prompting immediate medical attention. After the incident, TNPCB officials conducted an inspection in the school premises.

An official said on Saturday that there was no industry nearby, as the area was primarily residential and commercial. They said if the leak had come from an outside source, they would have received complaints from the community, but none were reported. The gas leak was found to be localized and affected only two parts of the school rather than the entire building, raising questions about its origin, the official said.

The TNPCB has indicated that it is still awaiting detailed information from the school about the circumstances surrounding the incident. On Saturday, the TNPCB conducted a thorough survey of the area and announced plans to establish a mobile air monitoring unit to conduct further surveys.

The school education department is working with the TNPCB to find the source of the leak and has requested a report on the same. “We are taking all corrective measures and if necessary we will order the school to remain closed further,” said an official of the school education department.

The police congratulated

Greater Chennai Police Commissioner A. Arun on Saturday rewarded the police personnel who swung into action and rushed the school children to the hospital. He appreciated New Washermanpet Inspector Krishnaraj, All-Women Police, Tiruvotriyur, Inspector Manju Varalakshmi and Sub-Inspectors Vijay and Varsha for their swift action and for averting the loss of life.