Emergency declared after poisonous gas leak in Serbia, school and highway also closed, more than 50 people affected

A major accident has taken place due to leakage of ammonia gas in Pirot city of Serbia. After which the international highway remained closed on Monday as well. Along with this, schools and other private institutions in the area have also been closed. Dozens of people have fallen ill due to gas leaks. Emergency has been declared in the city of Pirot located in the eastern part of the country. This city is near the border of Bulgaria. In fact, a goods train carrying ammonia overturned here on Sunday evening, after which poisonous gas started leaking.

Officials said that investigation is on to ascertain the cause of the accident. Infrastructure Minister Goran Vesik said that this is a matter of concern, however, the situation has been dealt with on the spot and efforts are being made to avoid further damage. “It is possible that the accident happened because of bad infrastructure,” he told a news conference. He further said that the authorities will also look into whether strict procedures for transporting the toxic material were violated. The official said no trace of ammonia was found in the air and water a few kilometers from the spot where the goods train overturned. But local authorities have asked people to be careful and stay indoors.

More than 50 people affected

In Pirot, more than 50 people complained of gas and had to go to hospital for treatment, while 15 were transferred to the southern city of Niš. These include foreign nationals and children as well. State television reported that an elderly man who had been hospitalized died and that the body of a man was found at the site where the goods train overturned. The reason behind both the deaths is not yet known. People living in the area have been asked not to drink water from the tank. This water has been asked to be used while cooking.