A gas leak from a chemical plant in southern India early Thursday has killed at least nine people and left more than 1,000 others ill, according to media reports.

The LG Polymers plant in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh state, is owned by LG Chem Ltd. of South Korea, the reports said.

More than 300 people have been taken to hospitals, Reuters reported, quoting a police official in the state. The leak has been brought under control, LG Chem said, according to Reuters.

Local TV aired footage of people lying in the streets who apparently collapsed after inhaling the gas.

It is believed the gas leak originated from large tanks that had been left unattended because of a shutdown to stem the spread of the new coronavirus, according to NDTV.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Twitter that the situation is being closely monitored. "I pray for everyone's safety and well-being in Visakhapatnam."

==Kyodo

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