Radioactive Leak at Lucknow Airport: 2 Unconscious, 1.5 km Evacuated; CISF, NDRF Take Over

A radioactive leak has occurred at Chaudhary Charan Singh (Amausi) Airport in Lucknow. Two employees have become unconscious. Terminal-3 has been handed over to CISF and NDRF. A 1.5-kilometer area has been evacuated, and public entry has been restricted.

Preliminary Information

According to initial information, a flight was departing from Lucknow to Guwahati. During scanning at Terminal-3, a machine beeped. The wooden box being scanned contained anti-cancer drugs.

These drugs contain radioactive elements. As soon as the employees opened the box, gas rapidly leaked out, causing two employees to faint. Panic ensued, and people started running in all directions. The area was immediately evacuated.

Advisory Issued, Public Urged to Avoid the Area

The airport administration stated that they received information about a gas leak near Terminal-3 from the cargo area. Three teams from Fire Service, NDRF, and SDRF have arrived at the scene and are working on the situation. Fluorine gas has leaked from some medical drug boxes. Teams are closely monitoring the situation. An advisory has been issued urging the public to avoid the area. An airport spokesperson mentioned that operations at the airport are not affected.

Irritation in Eyes, Passengers Scared Due to Panic

After the gas leak, people present experienced irritation in their eyes. They became frightened. Dr. Suresh Kaushal, an anesthesiology expert from Lokbandhu Hospital in Lucknow, stated that exposure to radioactivity can cause unconsciousness, eye irritation, and low blood pressure.

It can also lead to rashes on the skin, sudden severe coughing, and even impact the lungs and kidneys. Fluorine gas is used in many X-ray and medical-related tests. It is also used to maintain the temperature of certain medicines.