Emergency Evacuations in Palghar Following Hazardous Gas Leak

Gas Leak Triggers Evacuations in Maharashtra

In a significant incident on Monday, a hazardous petroleum gas leak at a chemical facility in Palghar district, Maharashtra, prompted the evacuation of over 2,600 individuals, including 1,600 schoolchildren. Officials reported that three people experienced minor eye irritation due to the leak.

The oleum gas leak affected a five-kilometre radius around the Boisar MIDC area, located on the outskirts of Mumbai, leading to precautionary evacuations.

The incident occurred around 2 PM at Bhageria Industries Ltd, creating a thick cloud of white fumes that spread quickly due to wind conditions, causing alarm among local residents and workers.

The exact cause of the leak remains unknown at this time.

Dr. Indu Rani Jakhar, the Palghar District Collector, is overseeing the situation and confirmed that a disaster management plan was promptly activated.

According to the administration, the leak originated from a 2,500-litre oleum day tank, with the smoke dispersing to surrounding areas due to wind direction.

As a safety measure, authorities evacuated 1,600 students from Tarapur Vidyamandir school and relocated over 1,000 workers from Bhageria Industries and nearby businesses.

Response teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC), and local fire services encountered challenges in accessing the leak site due to high smoke concentrations.

Chemical experts and NDRF personnel eventually identified the leak source and entered the area equipped with self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA). They deployed sandbags around the leaking tank to contain the fumes.

At least three individuals were reported to have minor eye irritation and are currently receiving medical care.

District Superintendent of Police Yatish Deshmukh, present at the scene, reassured villagers that authorities were implementing all necessary measures to manage the situation.

Collector Jakhar urged residents to remain indoors and adhere to official instructions, emphasizing the importance of not believing in rumors as the situation is being closely monitored in collaboration with relevant departments.