Panic was witnessed across the Tarapur MIDC region of Maharashtra’s Palghar district after a substantial oleum gas leak was reported at an industrial facility in the Boisar belt on Monday. The emergency situation was later declared under control at 6:45 pm following a coordinated intervention by district authorities and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF). The development was confirmed by local officials after sustained containment operations that lasted over three hours.
The incident was stated to have originated around 2 pm from a 2,500-litre oleum storage tank at Bhageria Industries Limited, a unit previously operating under a different name. It was explained by officials that the chemical, identified as oleum — a fuming form of sulphuric acid — reacted upon exposure to atmospheric air. As a result, sulphur dioxide and related sulphur oxides were released, forming a dense white cloud that was observed spreading across an estimated radius of three to five kilometres.
The impact of the fumes was reported in several nearby areas, including Camlin Naka, Taki Naka, Saravali, Khaira Pada, and the vicinity of the Boisar railway station. Owing to prevailing south-easterly winds, the vapour cloud was carried towards residential and industrial pockets. A thick, fog-like blanket of white fumes was described as having hovered over the locality, leading to alarm among residents and workers.
As a precautionary measure, more than 2,600 individuals were evacuated from the affected zone. It was stated that nearly 1,600 students from two educational institutions were safely relocated, while over 1,000 workers from the concerned unit and neighbouring factories were moved out of the vicinity. The MIDC residential colony was also cleared to prevent further exposure. Reports of health-related symptoms were received from several individuals. Complaints of eye irritation, redness, coughing, throat discomfort, itching, and nausea were documented. At least three persons were hospitalised and were reported to be in stable condition. Additionally, it was indicated that five employees might have been directly exposed to the gas.
The district disaster management mechanism was immediately activated under the supervision of the District Collector. Teams from the NDRF, fire brigade, police department, industrial safety authorities, and the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board were deployed. It was acknowledged that dense fumes initially hindered the identification of the precise leak source. NDRF personnel equipped with self-contained breathing apparatus kits entered the premises, and sandbags were strategically placed around the storage tank to restrict the spread of chemicals. Fire tenders from the MIDC assisted in the containment exercise.
Advisories were issued to residents urging calmness and outlining precautionary steps. Citizens were advised to move in the direction opposite to the wind flow, cover their nose and mouth with a wet cloth or mask, avoid contact with the chemical substance, rinse exposed skin or eyes thoroughly with water, seek medical attention if symptoms persisted, and refrain from circulating rumours. Air quality monitoring systems were activated, and healthcare facilities in the district were placed on high alert. No fatalities or major property damage were reported. The cause of the leakage is expected to be determined following a detailed inquiry.