Mass Evacuation After Oleum Gas Escape Triggers Alarm in Boisar’s Tarapur Industrial Zone
A serious industrial emergency unfolded on Monday in the Tarapur MIDC region of Palghar district, Maharashtra, after a substantial oleum gas discharge was detected at Bhageria Industries Limited in the Boisar manufacturing hub.
The situation was finally stabilised at 6:45 pm following a coordinated effort involving local authorities and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF).
As per an official communication from the Palghar district administration, the incident began around 2 pm when a 2,500-litre storage container holding oleum — previously under the unit name Zealot Chemicals — developed a leak.
The highly corrosive fuming sulphuric acid reacted with atmospheric moisture, releasing sulphur dioxide and other sulphur oxides.
This reaction generated a thick white plume that quickly spread across an estimated three to five-kilometre stretch.
With south-easterly winds prevailing, the fumes drifted towards Camlin Naka, Taki Naka, Saravali, Khaira Pada, and areas around the Boisar railway station.
Residents described a blanket of mist-like white vapour enveloping parts of Boisar, sparking concern among locals and factory workers alike.
As a precautionary measure, authorities evacuated over 2,600 individuals.
This included approximately 1,600 students from Tarapur Vidyamandir and Chinmaya Vidyalaya, along with more than 1,000 employees from Bhageria Industries and nearby units.
The MIDC residential colony was also cleared to ensure public safety.
People in the affected zones reported health complaints such as burning and watering of the eyes, coughing, throat irritation, itching of the skin, and nausea.
Three individuals were admitted to the hospital for treatment and were stated to be in stable condition. Officials later suggested that around five workers may have had direct exposure to the gas.
District Collector Dr Indu Rani Jakhar promptly initiated the district’s disaster response protocol.
Personnel from the NDRF, fire services, police department, industrial safety authorities, and the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board rushed to the location.
Dense fumes initially hampered efforts to pinpoint the exact origin of the leak. Equipped with self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) gear, NDRF teams entered the premises to tackle the emergency.
Sandbags were strategically placed around the affected tank to prevent further spread of the hazardous substance, while MIDC fire engines supported containment operations.
Palghar Superintendent of Police Yatish Deshmukh, who supervised the response on site, confirmed that after more than three hours of sustained action, the leak was successfully sealed by 6:45 pm.
Earlier, the district administration issued a public advisory urging citizens to remain composed.
Residents were instructed to move away from the affected zone in the direction opposite to the wind, cover their nose and mouth with a damp cloth or mask, avoid contact with the spilt chemical, rinse any exposed skin or eyes with clean water for 15 to 20 minutes, seek medical care if symptoms continued, and refrain from spreading unverified information.
The Maharashtra Pollution Control Board has since activated air quality surveillance systems, while healthcare facilities in the vicinity have been placed on standby.
Authorities have confirmed that no fatalities or significant structural damage have occurred. The precise cause behind the gas escape remains under investigation, and a formal inquiry is expected to determine responsibility.
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