Maharashtra: Several workers hospitalised after toxic gas leaks at factory in Mahad

The incident took place at MIDC, Mahad in Raigad district

A minor gas leakage was reported on Thursday evening at a chemical factory in MIDC, Mahad industrial area, which affected many workers who complained of breathing difficulties, soon after.

The source of the leak was later found to be from the plant itself and the situation was brought under control by immediately fixing the leakage by the factory team and even the fire/disaster team, who rushed to the spot soon after.

Those affected were taken to a nearby Deshmukh nursing home, where they are being treated. The incident happened at MIDC, Mahad in Raigad district.

Speaking to mid-day, Dr. Faisal Deshmukh, under whose care the patients are recuperating said, "The patients were brought in with history of hydrogen sulphide gas leakage, at the plant where they worked. All the seven workers had inhaled the toxic gas, due to which they were showing adverse symptoms complaining dizziness, breathlessness and even orientation problem."

Luckily, the inhouse industrial safety team, could swing into action and they provided basic antidotes at the factory itself and since the workers were rushed within a short span, we could immediately begin the treatment and had to admit some of them to the ICU.

"The workers were in the age group of 20 above to 45 years and they responded well to the treatment and all are out of danger. We will continue to monitor them for the next few days before they are discharged. It is a typical case of an industrial accident," said Dr Deshmukh, who has vast experience of treating industrial accident victims.

Meanwhile, on Friday morning, Aditi Thatkare, who is also the district Guardian minister, visited the nursing home and met the workers. She even spoke to the treating doctor. The local police, fire and the industrial safety team have begun their probe to ascertain the exact reason behind the gas leak.

The company, being a listed company on the Stock market, has intimated the stock exchanges (BSE /NSE) accordingly about the gas leak, as per the norms.