The white cloudy smoke has spread over parts of Boisar city due to the leakage. Evacuations are underway in residential and industrial zones downwind, and naka bandi (road blockades) have been deployed to restrict movement and ensure safety
The district administration is taking efforts to bring the leakage under control. Representational pic
A massive leak of hazardous oleum gas at a chemical unit in Maharashtra’s Palghar district on Monday forced the evacuation of over 2,600 people, including 1,600 school students, while three persons reported minor eye irritation, news agency PTI reported, quoting officials.
STORY | Toxic gas leaks from Palghar chemical unit; 458 persons evacuated, some complain of eye irritation
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) March 2, 2026
Oleum (fuming sulphuric acid) gas leaked from a chemical unit in an industrial belt in Maharashtra's Palghar district on Monday afternoon, resulting in the evacuation of… pic.twitter.com/MzDhmlhFgS
The oleum (fuming sulphuric acid) leak impacted areas within a five-kilometre radius of the Bhageria Industries Ltd unit in the Boisar MIDC locality on Mumbai’s outskirts. Authorities said evacuations were carried out as a precautionary measure.
The leak, which occurred around 2 pm, created a dense cloud of white fumes that spread rapidly due to wind, causing panic among residents and workers in the industrial belt, PTI reported. The cause of the gas leak is not yet known.
Palghar District Collector Indu Rani Jakhar, who is personally monitoring the situation, said the district’s disaster management plan was activated immediately.
"The leakage occurred from a 2,500-litre capacity oleum day tank. Due to the wind direction, the smoke spread to surrounding areas, impacting a radius of approximately 5 kilometres," the administration said in a press release.
As a precaution, 1,600 students from Tarapur Vidyamandir were evacuated immediately, PTI reported. Additionally, more than 1,000 workers from Bhageria Industries and neighbouring units were moved to safety.
Palghar gas leak: NDRF, BARC and fire teams battle dense fumes to contain leak
Teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC), and the Fire Brigade initially faced difficulties reaching the unit due to 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 release said.
Chemical experts and NDRF personnel eventually located the source and entered the premises using self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA). Sandbags were deployed around the leaking tank to suppress the fumes.
At least three persons suffered minor eye irritation and are receiving medical treatment, officials added.
District Superintendent of Police Yatish Deshmukh, present at the site, urged villagers not to panic, assuring that authorities are taking all necessary measures.
Collector Jakhar also appealed to residents to stay indoors and follow official instructions.
"The situation is being constantly monitored in coordination with all departments concerned. Citizens should not believe in rumours," she emphasised.
(With PTI inputs)
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