Palghar oleum gas horror: 2,600 evacuated amid dense white fumes - what happened?

• Oleum gas leak in Palghar led to evacuation of over 2,600 people
• Three people suffered minor eye irritation, no serious injuries
• Leak controlled by NDRF and fire brigade joint operation

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A major leak of hazardous oleum gas at a chemical factory in Maharashtra’s Palghar district on Monday forced authorities to evacuate more than 2,600 people, including 1,600 school students. Officials said three people suffered minor eye irritation, but no serious injuries were reported.

The incident took place around 2 pm at a unit of Bhageria Industries Ltd. in the Boisar MIDC area, located on the outskirts of Mumbai. The leak came from a 2,500-litre tank containing oleum, also known as fuming sulphuric acid, a highly corrosive chemical used in industrial processes.

Dense white fumes spread across 5-km radius

According to officials, the gas escaped from the storage tank and quickly formed a thick white cloud. Strong winds pushed the fumes across nearby areas, affecting locations within an estimated five-kilometre radius. Residents and workers in the industrial belt reported a sharp smell and irritation in the eyes and throat.

Oleum is a concentrated form of sulphuric acid. When it comes in contact with air, it creates a mist that can cause breathing discomfort and irritation. As the fumes spread, panic gripped the surrounding neighbourhoods, with many people stepping out of their homes and workplaces in fear.

Emergency services were alerted immediately. Local authorities activated disaster management protocols to prevent further harm.

Joint operation brings leak under control

Teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC), and the fire brigade rushed to the scene. Initially, rescue teams faced difficulties due to the high concentration of fumes around the leaking tank.

Chemical experts and NDRF personnel later managed to locate the source of the leak. Wearing self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) gear, they entered the premises and secured the tank. Sandbags were placed around it to reduce the release of fumes and stop the gas from spreading further.

The leak was finally brought under control at around 6.45 pm after several hours of coordinated efforts.

At least three people complained of mild eye irritation and were taken to nearby hospitals for treatment. Officials confirmed that their condition was stable.

Students and workers evacuated

As a precaution, authorities evacuated 1,600 students from Tarapur Vidyamandir, located close to the affected zone. More than 1,000 workers from the factory and nearby industrial units were also moved to safer places.

Indu Rani Jakhar, the Palghar District Collector, said the district disaster management plan was put into action as soon as the leak was reported. She assured residents that all necessary steps were being taken to control the situation. The exact cause of the leak was not immediately known, PTI reported.

Police and local administration officials visited the site to oversee rescue and safety operations. Residents were advised to remain indoors, shut their doors and windows, and follow official instructions. Authorities also appealed to the public not to spread rumours.