NEW DELHI: Over 2,000 people, including 1,600 students, were evacuated on Monday after a major oleum gas leak from a chemical unit in Maharashtra’s Palghar district left dense white fumes hanging over a five-kilometre radius, officials confirmed.The leak, which occurred around 2pm at Bhageria Industries Ltd in the Boisar MIDC industrial area.Palghar district collector Dr Indu Rani Jakhar, who was monitoring operations on the ground, said the district disaster management plan was activated immediately.“The situation is being constantly monitored in coordination with all departments concerned. Citizens should not believe in rumours,” Jakhar said, urging residents to stay indoors and follow official instructions, PTI reported.Israel attacks IranUS F-15 down in Kuwait? Iran shares video showing fighter jet engulfed in flames, pilots ejectingIranian state media claims US fighter jet downed in Kuwait; explosions in Bahrain, Dubai, DohaIsrael bombs Hezbollah targets in Beirut; Gulf nations vow to defend themselves — key pointsDistrict Superintendent of Police Yatish Deshmukh reassured residents, saying authorities were “taking all possible measures to deal with the situation” and advised villagers not to panic.He said that the smoke clouds have formed over the Boisar town and the locals in the direction of wind have been evacuated. The area has also been sealed out for people.”In the Bhageria Chemicals Company, located in Boisar, an incident of Oleum gas leakage was reported around 2 pm today. District Administration and Fire Brigade are carrying out the operation to control thisgas leakage. The leakage continues. A white cloudish smoke has formed over Boisar due to an Oleum gas leak. Residential and industrial areas located in the direction of the wind are being vacated. Nakabandi is also being done. Citizens are requested to move in the opposite direction of the wind and smoke, head to a safe location and do not panic,” SP Yatish Deshmukh said.Authorities also reported that three people suffered minor eye irritation, but no serious injuries were recorded.According to a press release from the district administration, the leak occurred from a 2,500-litre oleum day tank, releasing hazardous fumes that spread quickly due to strong winds. The resulting cloud affected nearby schools, factories, and residential areas, prompting authorities to evacuate over a thousand factory workers and more than 1,600 students from a local school as a safety measure.Emergency teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC), and the Fire Brigade rushed to the site but initially faced difficulty reaching the exact source because of the high smoke concentration.“Due to the high smoke concentration in affected areas, response teams were facing difficulties in reaching the exact location of the leak,” the official release stated.Once inside, chemical experts and NDRF personnel, equipped with self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), managed to locate the leak and deploy sandbags around the tank to suppress the fumes, officials added.Authorities said the cause of the leak remains under investigation.The Palghar administration continues to monitor air quality and has assured that there is no immediate threat to residents. Dr Jakhar added that coordinated efforts are underway with various departments to ensure full containment and prevent recurrence.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosMamata Banerjee Vows Bengal Poll Win Despite Voter Deletions, Abhishek Claims BJP Won’t Pass 50 SeatsUS-ISRAEL-IRAN WAR: How Will It Impact India’s Oil, Trade & Air Travel| EXPLAINED‘Not for the People’: Shah Accuses Mamata of Pushing Dynasty PoliticsStill Reeling From India’s Strikes, Pakistan’s Nur Khan Air Base Hit Again By Taliban DronesUN Rights Chief Praises India’s Civil Society And Condemns Human Rights Abuses In Pakistan And ChinaKhomeini’s Indian Connection: Ahmad Hindi, Barabanki, and the Legacy Behind Iran’s First Supreme LeaderPM Modi Uses T20 Cricket Analogy For India-Canada Partnership At CEO Forum, Carney Smiles’Arise, Awake, And Stop Not’: Canada PM Carney Quotes Vivekananda To Announce India-Canada Tie ResetDINK Couples in India Explained | Why More Married Couples Are Choosing No KidsDMK-Congress Seat Sharing Deadlock Deepens As Rajya Sabha Numbers Become Key Bargaining Chip123Photostories10 black-coloured foods and why you should eat more of themAll eyes are on stylish newlyweds Rashmika Mandanna-Vijay Deverakonda as they join Allu Arjun at Sirish’s pre-wedding soiréeZendaya & Tom Holland; Billy Crudup & Naomi Watts: Celebs who secretly tied the knot away from the spotlightUS-Israel attack on Iran: Khamenei’s death, Iran’s retaliation and military arsenals in action- in picsFeeling exhausted? 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NEW DELHI: Over 2,000 people, including 1,600 students, were evacuated on Monday after a major oleum gas leak from a chemical unit in Maharashtra’s Palghar district left dense white fumes hanging over a five-kilometre radius, officials confirmed.The leak, which occurred around 2pm at Bhageria Industries Ltd in the Boisar MIDC industrial area.Palghar district collector Dr Indu Rani Jakhar, who was monitoring operations on the ground, said the district disaster management plan was activated immediately.“The situation is being constantly monitored in coordination with all departments concerned. Citizens should not believe in rumours,” Jakhar said, urging residents to stay indoors and follow official instructions, PTI reported.District Superintendent of Police Yatish Deshmukh reassured residents, saying authorities were “taking all possible measures to deal with the situation” and advised villagers not to panic.He said that the smoke clouds have formed over the Boisar town and the locals in the direction of wind have been evacuated. The area has also been sealed out for people.“In the Bhageria Chemicals Company, located in Boisar, an incident of Oleum gas leakage was reported around 2 pm today. District Administration and Fire Brigade are carrying out the operation to control thisgas leakage. The leakage continues. A white cloudish smoke has formed over Boisar due to an Oleum gas leak. Residential and industrial areas located in the direction of the wind are being vacated. Nakabandi is also being done. Citizens are requested to move in the opposite direction of the wind and smoke, head to a safe location and do not panic,” SP Yatish Deshmukh said.Authorities also reported that three people suffered minor eye irritation, but no serious injuries were recorded.According to a press release from the district administration, the leak occurred from a 2,500-litre oleum day tank, releasing hazardous fumes that spread quickly due to strong winds. The resulting cloud affected nearby schools, factories, and residential areas, prompting authorities to evacuate over a thousand factory workers and more than 1,600 students from a local school as a safety measure.Emergency teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC), and the Fire Brigade rushed to the site but initially faced difficulty reaching the exact source because of the high smoke concentration.“Due to the high smoke concentration in affected areas, response teams were facing difficulties in reaching the exact location of the leak,” the official release stated.Once inside, chemical experts and NDRF personnel, equipped with self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), managed to locate the leak and deploy sandbags around the tank to suppress the fumes, officials added.Authorities said the cause of the leak remains under investigation.The Palghar administration continues to monitor air quality and has assured that there is no immediate threat to residents. Dr Jakhar added that coordinated efforts are underway with various departments to ensure full containment and prevent recurrence.
