Oleum Gas Leak at Chemical Unit in Palghar, Maharashtra; No Injuries So Far
An oleum gas leak occurred at Bhageria Chemicals Company in Palghar, Maharashtra, on Monday afternoon, prompting an immediate response from emergency services. The highly toxic fuming sulphuric acid leaked around 2 pm in the MIDC D-Zone. Authorities confirmed no injuries have been reported so far, and a technical team is working to contain the situation. Residents of nearby Salwad and Pasthal villages were advised to take precautions, including avoiding the affected area and covering their faces.
A significant oleum, or fuming sulphuric acid, gas leak was reported on Monday afternoon at the Bhageria Chemicals Company, previously known as Zenith Chemicals, located in the MIDC D-Zone industrial area of Palghar district, Maharashtra. The incident, which occurred around 2 pm, prompted a rapid deployment of local authorities, the fire brigade, police, and disaster management teams to the site near Salwad and Pasthal villages.Palghar District Collector Dr Indu Rani Jakhar confirmed that preliminary information indicates no individuals have been harmed by the toxic gas so far. A dedicated technical team is currently on-site, diligently working to bring the situation under control and mitigate any potential risks. As a precautionary measure, residents of the adjacent Salwad and Pasthal villages were immediately informed about the leak through various communication channels and advised to adhere to safety guidelines. These advisories include avoiding the affected industrial zone, covering their nose and mouth with a wet cloth or mask, and using protective gear like gloves and goggles if available.Officials also issued explicit warnings against touching the leaked chemical or attempting to pour water on it, as this could trigger adverse reactions and exacerbate the fumes. Furthermore, anyone exposed to the gas was instructed to wash the affected skin or eyes thoroughly with clean water for 15-20 minutes and seek medical attention, regardless of the apparent severity. Collector Jakhar appealed for calm, urging the public to avoid panic and rely solely on official instructions from the district administration while the situation is being managed. The comprehensive emergency response aims to ensure public safety and containment of the hazardous material.
