In Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, five workers were hospitalized following an incident involving toxic gas exposure. The workers were handling acetonitrile, a hazardous chemical, at Shravan Shipping Services Pvt. Ltd. during a chemical transfer when a bag containing the substance broke, releasing the toxic gas. The exposed workers, three women and two men, were rushed to Simhagiri Hospital, with one worker admitted to the ICU. They were later transferred to KIMS Icon Hospital for further treatment, where their conditions are now stable.

Authorities, including District Collector M.N. Harendhira Prasad and Police Commissioner Shanka Brata Bagchi, quickly responded to the incident. Officials are still investigating the exact cause of the chemical release.

Acetonitrile is commonly used in industrial settings, and improper handling can lead to severe respiratory issues, necessitating immediate medical attention. This incident has raised concerns about safety protocols in workplaces handling toxic chemicals​