Toxic gas leaks from Palghar chemical unit; 2,600 evacuated, 3 persons complain of eye irritation

A major leak of hazardous oleum gas at a chemical unit in Maharashtra’s Palghar district on Monday (March 2, 2026) led to the evacuation of over 2,600 people, including 1,600 school students, while three persons complained of minor eye irritation, officials said.

The incident occurred around 2 p.m. at a unit of Bhageria Industries Ltd. in the Boisar MIDC area on the outskirts of Mumbai. The leak from a 2,500-litre oleum (fuming sulphuric acid) tank created a dense cloud of white fumes that spread rapidly due to strong winds, affecting areas within an estimated 5 km radius and causing panic among residents and workers in the industrial belt.

As a precaution, authorities evacuated 1,600 students from Tarapur Vidyamandir, and more than 1,000 workers from the factory and nearby industrial units.

Palghar District Collector Dr. Indu Rani Jakhar said the disaster management plan was activated immediately after the leak was reported. The cause of the leak was not immediately known.

Teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC), and the fire brigade initially faced difficulty due to high concentrations of fumes while attempting to reach the source of the leak.

Chemical experts and NDRF personnel later located the leaking tank and entered the premises using self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA). Sandbags were deployed around the tank to suppress the fumes and contain the spread.

At least three people complained of minor eye irritation and were taken to hospitals. No serious injuries were reported, according to the officials.

District Superintendent of Police Yatish Deshmukh, who visited the site, urged residents not to panic, assuring that all necessary measures were being taken. The Collector appealed to residents to remain indoors, follow official advisories and refrain from rumours.

Authorities said the situation was under constant monitoring.