Palghar, March 2 Oleum (fuming sulfuric acid) gas leaked from a chemical unit located in an industrial area in the Palghar district of Maharashtra on Monday afternoon, although there were no immediate reports of anyone being affected, 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 located near the 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. Necessary measures are being taken to bring the situation under control," Jakhar said in a press release issued by the District Disaster Management Authority.
No one was affected in the incident as of now, and a technical team was working to control the gas leak, she said, citing initial information.
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 said.
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, it said.
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 rumors and to strictly follow instructions issued by the administration.
