Industrial accident in Maharashtra triggers massive rescue operation for school students
Fear gripped the Boisar MIDC region in Maharashtra’s Palghar district on Monday following a significant chemical emergency. A storage container at Bhageria Industries Ltd released a large volume of oleum gas, a potent form of fuming sulphuric acid. The leak occurred around 2 pm, quickly generating thick white clouds that blanketed the surrounding landscape.
Massive Evacuation Efforts
Safety officials prioritized human life as the corrosive mist began drifting toward residential and educational zones. Consequently, authorities moved 1,600 students from Tarapur Vidyamandir to a secure location. Simultaneously, over 1,000 industrial workers were cleared from the factory premises and neighboring units. This swift action ensured that while three individuals reported minor eye irritation, no fatalities or severe injuries occurred.
Technical Response and Containment
Strong winds exacerbated the situation by carrying the fumes across a five-kilometer radius, causing throat and eye discomfort for local residents. Responding to the crisis, a joint team comprising the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC), and local fire brigades arrived at the site.
Specialists wearing advanced breathing apparatus faced initial challenges due to the high toxicity levels near the 2,500-liter tank. To stabilize the area, experts utilized sandbags to dampen the release of fumes and eventually sealed the source. By 6:45 pm, the coordinated efforts successfully brought the chemical discharge under control.
Administrative Oversight
District Collector Indu Rani Jakhar confirmed that the regional disaster management protocol was triggered immediately. Local police and administration teams remained on-site to monitor air quality and ensure public order. While the immediate danger has passed, officials have advised citizens to keep windows closed as a lingering precaution. Investigations are currently underway to determine the technical failure that led to this industrial mishap.
