Palghar, March 2 Oleum (fuming sulfuric acid) gas leaked from a chemical unit in an industrial area in Maharashtra's Palghar district on Monday afternoon, resulting in the evacuation of 458 people, while some experienced minor eye irritation, officials said.
The toxic gas leaked from the unit of Bhageria Chemicals Company (formerly known as Zenith Chemicals), located in the MIDC D-Zone area, prompting a swift response from the district administration and emergency services, they said.
According to District Collector and chief of the District Disaster Management Authority, Dr Indu Rani Jakhar, the incident occurred around 2 pm at the company situated near Salwad and Pasthal villages in the industrial area.
"As soon as information about the incident was received, the local administration, fire brigade, police department, and disaster management machinery immediately rushed to the spot," Jakhar said in a press release issued by the District Disaster Management Authority.
As a precautionary measure, residents of Salwad and Pasthal were alerted through social media and other communication channels regarding safety protocols to be followed, the release stated.
"A total of 458 people were evacuated from the premises of the Bhageria unit as a precautionary measure following the incident. Some people experienced minor eye irritation. One person was admitted to the Rural Hospital in Boisar, while one each was taken to Anand Hospital and Sanjivani Hospital," Palgar district disaster management cell chief Vivekanand Kadam told
The condition of these people is stable, according to doctors, he added.
Other officials said that the emergency team has managed to pinpoint the location of the leak and are currently trying to plug it.
The situation is under control, they added.
The administration has advised local residents to stay away from the affected area and to cover their nose and mouth using a wet handkerchief, cloth or mask, and to use protective gear such as gloves and goggles if available.
In case of contact with the gas, people have been instructed to wash the affected skin or eyes with clean water for at least 15 to 20 minutes and to seek medical attention even if exposure appears minimal, according to the release.
The administration has cautioned residents against panicking, touching the leaked chemical, or approaching the leak site. People have also been warned not to pour water directly on the leak as it may trigger a strong chemical reaction and intensify fumes.
Collector Jakhar appealed to residents not to believe in rumours and to strictly follow instructions issued by the administration.