Around 2,500 people were evacuated in Palghar on Tuesday after a toxic gas leak at a chemical unit caused panic and health concerns among nearby residents.
The leak occurred early in the morning at a chemical storage facility in the Vagh (Bagh) area, triggering an emergency response from local authorities. Thick fumes spread in the vicinity, prompting residents to rush out of their homes and seek shelter in safer locations.
Local officials and emergency teams quickly cordoned off the area and began evacuating families living closest to the plant to prevent further exposure. Firefighters and disaster management personnel worked to control the situation and monitor air quality.
Several people exposed to the fumes complained of eye irritation, watering eyes and breathing discomfort, but most of the cases were mild. Those affected received medical attention on the spot, and a few were taken to nearby primary health centres as a precaution. No deaths or serious injuries have been reported.
Eyewitnesses said the gas smell was strong and spread rapidly, leading many residents to flee their homes and cover their faces with cloth. Children and the elderly were among the first to be moved to safety by neighbours and rescue workers.
Local police and administration officials urged people in nearby villages to stay indoors, close windows, and avoid going near the affected factory until air quality improves. The company where the leak occurred has not yet publicly explained what caused the release.
Authorities are investigating the source of the leak and testing the chemicals involved to determine if safety protocols were violated. District officials have also set up temporary medical camps to check on residents who may have been exposed.
The incident has raised concerns among local communities about industrial safety norms and emergency preparedness. Residents have called for stricter monitoring of chemical units near residential areas to prevent similar episodes in the future.
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