Palghar, March 23 More than 20 workers were hospitalized after a chemical leak at a pharmaceutical unit in Tarapur MIDC in the Boisar area of Palghar, officials said on Monday.
The incident occurred around 1:45 pm on Sunday during the transfer of di-methyl sulphate (DMS) into a tanker, said Palghar Collector Indu Rani Jakhad.
"A small amount of the chemical overflowed from the tanker's vent line and spilled onto the ground. While the operator immediately plugged the leak, fumes generated during the subsequent decontamination process affected several personnel. The spilled chemical was neutralized using lime and soda ash by 2:30 pm," she said.
However, some security staff and workers involved in the clean-up experienced eye irritation due to the properties of di-methyl sulphate, the collector said.
A total of 22 workers were initially kept under observation at the factory and then moved to Adhikari Lifeline Multispecialty Hospital in Boisar as a precautionary measure around 7 pm after their symptoms persisted, the official said.
Doctors said all affected individuals are in stable condition with no threat to their lives.
Authorities emphasized that the situation is completely under control and there is no further threat to the surrounding area.
A detailed investigation by relevant agencies into the cause of the overflow is currently underway, they added.
