POLLUTION

Gas Leak in Thane District Sparks Panic as Thick Haze Causes Health Issues; Investigation Underway

Visakhapatnam gas leak
(Srijana Gummalla (@GummallaSrijana) / Twitter)

A gas leak at a chemical company in the Morivali MIDC area of Ambernath, Thane district, Maharashtra, caused widespread panic late on Thursday night. The incident occurred around 11:15 pm, leaving residents in the surrounding areas of Morivali MIDC suffering from symptoms such as eye irritation and difficulty breathing, as reported by locals.

Upon receiving information about the gas leak, fire brigade officials and local disaster management teams swiftly arrived at the scene to investigate and control the situation. A thick haze, caused by the gas, blanketed the entire area, creating smog-like conditions and further escalating concerns among the residents. Many residents immediately contacted authorities as the unsettling atmosphere spread through the community.

Bhagwat Sonawane, Chief Fire Officer of the Ambernath Fire Brigade, confirmed the gas leak, stating, "We have reached the spot and now the leakage has reduced."

Yasin Tadvi, the Chief of the Disaster Management Cell of the Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC), later assured the public that the situation was under control, and fortunately, no injuries or hospitalisations had been reported. His statement helped ease some of the community's fears.

Upon investigating, officials traced the source of the leak to a chemical factory in the industrial zone. The leak was caused by a phosphorous-based chemical, which released a dense white smoke that quickly spread across the area. This chemical reaction not only led to the haze but also contributed to the health complaints from local residents.

As a precaution, local firefighters advised residents to stay indoors to minimize exposure to the potentially harmful smoke. The fire brigade worked diligently to contain the spread of the gas and clear the air, ensuring that the situation did not worsen. Additionally, the manufacturing activities at the factory responsible for the leak were immediately halted pending a thorough investigation into the cause of the incident.

Authorities are now investigating the factory's safety protocols and compliance with environmental regulations. The aim is to prevent such incidents from reoccurring and ensure that stricter safety measures are in place for the future.

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