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Journalism of Courage
MUMBAI, SEPT 18: More than 50 residents of Pawne village located on the Thane-Belapur Road were affected after noxious gas which escaped from the premises of Star Chemicals Ltd combined with the rainwater early Friday.
Over 20 residents of the village were admitted to Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation Hospital, Vashi and 15 others were discharged after being administered first aid. Those affected complained of burning in the eyes.
The leaked was hydrogen sulphide, according to Navi Mumbai police under whose jurisdiction the chemical plant falls.
The Star Chemicals unit has been closed since August 27, 1998 following a gas leakage when over 200 workers were affected.
Local residents claimed that a smell in the air is a permanent feature in the area and alleged that the chemical companies routinely release gas into the air during night.
