At least 19 people including women were hospitalised on Tuesday after inhaling poisonous gas leaked from a seafood factory at Karachi Fish Harbour in Keamari area.

Rescue officials said that among the 19 affected, 12 were women after an ammonia gas cylinder exploded resulting in the emission of gas in the surrounding areas.

Reports suggest that around 60 women workers were present at the factory when the gas began leaking in the factory.

Chief Minister of Sindh Murad Ali Shah directed the Karachi commissioner and the labour department to furnish a report while directing the food department to visit the factory to investigate the matter.

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He said that at least 11 women are reported to have been in critical condition after being exposed to the toxic gas.

The affected were moved to Civil Hospital, Karachi for treatment where the administration said that all the affected are out of danger.