India: Protesters demand closure of plant in Visakhapatnam (Andhra Pradesh state) May 9

Event

Local residents gathered outside the LG Polymers plant in Visakhapatnam (Andhra Pradesh state) on Saturday, May 9, to demand its immediate closure following a gas leak that killed at least 11 people on Thursday, May 7. The protesters staged a sit-in at the plant's gate and carried with them the bodies of the three victims. Police reportedly intervened to stop the demonstrators entering the plant and to allow officials investigating the incident to enter and exit safely. Around 800 people were hospitalized following the gas leak and over 5000 people have reported illnesses.

Further unrest amongst the local population and a heightened security presence are possible in the vicinity of the plant over the near term. 

Advice

Individuals in Visakhapatnam are advised to monitor the situation, avoid all demonstrations as a precaution, adhere to all instructions issued by local authorities, and anticipate a heightened security presence and transportation disruption in the vicinity of any future protests.