Chemical Unit Gas Leak in Thane; Company Halts Manufacturing Operations

In a fresh incident, a gas leak has been reported in Ambernath, Thane (Maharasthra) on Thursday night. Following the incident, the chemical company has temporarily halted its manufacturing operations. This measure has been taken to prevent any further emissions and to allow for a thorough investigation and cleanup process.

The temporary shutdown is intended to ensure that the factory can address the root cause of the leak and take steps to prevent any future occurrences.

Residents in the vicinity of an industrial area in Maharashtra’s Thane district reported eye irritation and breathing difficulties following a significant haze that enveloped the region. This situation is believed to have been caused by a gas leak from a nearby chemical factory, an official said on Friday.

Yasin Tadvi, the Chief of the Disaster Management Cell of the Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC), indicated that while the situation has been brought under control, there have been no injuries or hospitalizations as a result of the incident.

The problematic haze began to develop around 11 pm on Thursday in the Morivali MIDC area of Ambernath, a town located on the outskirts of Mumbai. The smog-like conditions led to widespread panic among local residents, who complained of a burning sensation in their eyes and difficulty breathing. In response to these reports, local firefighters were dispatched to investigate the source of the haze.

The investigation quickly pinpointed the cause of the haze to a chemical company in the area. Officials identified the source as a phosphorous-based chemical that had produced a dense white smoke. This smoke had dispersed throughout the neighborhood, leading to the hazardous atmospheric conditions. As a precaution, firefighters advised residents to stay indoors to limit their exposure to the smoke and mitigate potential health risks.

Bhagwat Sonawane, the Chief Fire Officer of the Ambernath Fire Brigade, confirmed the presence of the gas leak and reported that emergency services had effectively managed the situation. “We have reached the location, and the leakage has now been significantly reduced,” Sonawane stated in a communication with TOI.

The incident highlights the critical importance of prompt and effective emergency responses to industrial accidents. It also underscores the need for stringent safety measures within industrial facilities to safeguard public health and prevent similar incidents.

Local authorities are continuing to monitor the situation closely and will provide updates as more information becomes available. Their efforts are focused on ensuring the affected area is thoroughly cleaned and that appropriate measures are implemented to avoid any further impact on the local community.