A gas leak at Nikakem Products in Ambernath, Thane, caused significant disruption and health concerns late Thursday night. The incident, which began around 11 pm, resulted in a thick haze of smoke that reduced visibility and led to widespread discomfort among local residents.
According to a fire brigade official, the gas leak originated from Nikakem Products, a company dealing with hazardous chemicals including hydrochloric acid, phosphorus trichloride, and phosphorus pentoxide. The gas quickly spread across a one-kilometer radius, blanketing the area and affecting railway tracks. By 11:30 pm, visibility was severely reduced, creating a smog-like condition in the vicinity.
The fire brigade managed to bring the situation under control within two hours. Fortunately, no injuries or hospitalizations have been reported. However, the incident caused considerable panic among residents, who experienced eye irritation and breathing difficulties.
Jayesh Nair, a local resident from Ambernath Morivali, described the night as severe, stating, “We couldn’t see outside the window and experienced continuous vomiting and eye irritation. Thankfully, the rain eventually cleared the air. However, this is a recurring issue with frequent chemical releases leading to bad smells. The Maharashtra Pollution Control Board often fails to monitor such incidents effectively.”
The Maharashtra Pollution Control Board has been criticized for its inadequate monitoring of chemical releases, which residents claim are a recurring problem in the area. Authorities are expected to review their protocols to prevent future incidents and ensure better safety measures are in place.
The incident highlights ongoing concerns about industrial safety and the effectiveness of environmental monitoring in managing hazardous chemical leaks.
Sources By Agencies