One dies, 19 injured due to chlorine gas leak in Palghar

A local resident died and 19 others were injured following a chlorine gas leak at Vasai in Palghar district on Tuesday.  According to disaster management officials in Vasai Virar Municipal Corporation (VVMC), the leakage was reported around 3.30 pm at Diwanman area of Sun City, where maintenance work of a water tank was underway. Local authorities said the leakage took place in one cylinder installed in the tanker since chlorine is used for purification of water.

“These cylinders were at least 10 years old and were installed when the tanker was constructed. While carrying out the maintenance work, one of these cylinders collapsed, which led to gas leakage in the entire area,” said an official from the disaster management cell of Vasai Virar Municipal Corporation (VVMC).

The official said that out of the total number of persons that were affected, fourteen were from surrounding areas, while five of them were from the local fire-fighting station. The deceased person — Dev Kantilal Pardiwal (49) was a local resident who inhaled the toxic fumes, following which he was rushed to the hospital, where he succumbed.

“The spread of chlorine fume was averted by the fire officials since they poured water on the exposed cylinders and submerged them in a pit. This prompt response averted a larger incident,” the official said.

At present, all the injured are undergoing treatment at local hospitals with two of them being admitted in the ICU. The authorities said the condition of all the patients is stable and out of danger.