A gas leak at a chemical factory in southern India has killed at least nine people and led to hundreds being taken to hospital, amid fears that the death toll could climb higher.

Styrene leaked from the Korean-owned LG Polymers plant during the early hours of Thursday morning when families in the surrounding villages were asleep... [A]n assistant commissioner of police... said that at least nine people had died and between 300-400 had been hospitalised...

LG Chem released a statement in South Korea... indicating gas had stopped leaking from the plant. “The gas leak situation is now under control and we are exploring all ways to provide speedy treatment for those who suffer from inhaling the leaked gas,” the statement said...

LG Chem confirmed the plant was not operating because of the lockdown, but said there were maintenance staff at the facility. “While it’s true that the factory wasn’t operating as it was under lockdown, there were maintenance workers inside,” a company spokesman [said]...