INDIA – Over 2,600 evacuated after oleum gas leak in Palghar; three report eye irritation

March 3, 2026

More than 2,600 people, including around 1,600 school students, were evacuated on Monday after a major oleum gas leak at a chemical facility in Palghar district of Maharashtra. Officials confirmed that three individuals experienced minor eye irritation and are undergoing treatment at nearby hospitals.

Leak and Immediate Impact

The incident occurred at approximately 2 pm at a unit of Bhageria Industries Ltd located in the Boisar MIDC area on the outskirts of Mumbai. Authorities said oleum—also known as fuming sulphuric acid—escaped from a 2,500-litre day tank, releasing thick white fumes.

Strong winds caused the gas cloud to disperse rapidly, affecting areas within an estimated five-kilometre radius. The spread of fumes triggered panic among residents and workers in the surrounding industrial belt.

Evacuation Measures

As a precaution, about 1,600 students from Tarapur Vidyamandir were moved to safer locations. In addition, over 1,000 workers from Bhageria Industries and neighbouring factories were evacuated from the affected zone.

District Collector Dr Indu Rani Jakhar said the district disaster management plan was activated immediately after the leak was reported. She noted that wind direction played a key role in the extent of the spread.

Emergency Response

Response teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC), and the Fire Brigade were deployed to contain the situation.

Due to the heavy concentration of fumes, teams initially faced difficulties in locating and accessing the exact source of the leak. Chemical experts and NDRF personnel later entered the premises using self-contained breathing apparatus and identified the leaking tank. Sandbags were placed around it to help suppress the fumes.

India