INDIA – Chlorine Gas Leak at Bhopal factory
Emergency teams rushed to Bhopal’s Govindpura Industrial Area on Wednesday afternoon after reports of a possible chlorine gas leak left several people suffering from eye irritation and breathing problems.
Personnel from the State Disaster Emergency Response Force (SDERF), the municipal fire brigade, police, and the electricity department were deployed to manage the situation. District officials on-site wore masks as a precaution.
Bhopal Collector Kaushilendra Vikram Singh has ordered a joint investigation by the Chief Medical and Health Officer, the Municipal Corporation, and the Industry Department. The inquiry’s findings are expected within two days, and authorities have warned of strict action if negligence is confirmed.
Additional District Magistrate Ankur Meshram said the incident began around 3:30 p.m. when gas escaped from a chemical storage area. The source was traced to old sacks in the basement that triggered a reaction through chromite oxidation. Workers initially thought they were seeing smoke from a fire, Meshram explained. Exhaust systems were used to vent the gas, and protective gear was deployed to remove the sacks.
Local workers and nearby residents reported tearing eyes and difficulty breathing. “People in and around the factory started coughing and struggling to breathe,” a district official said.
However, the factory’s owner, Raghav Goswami of Adish Industries, denied that any chlorine had leaked. “A powder ignited, releasing smoke,” he claimed. “All precautions were taken, and the situation was under control within half an hour.”
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