Gas Leak Incident at Vapi Factory Sends Four to Hospital
A gas leak at a pharmaceutical factory near Vapi in Valsad district, Gujarat, resulted in the hospitalization of at least four individuals on Friday, according to officials from the Gujarat Pollution Control Board (GPCB). The incident, which occurred in the afternoon, has prompted an immediate investigation into the cause and safety protocols at the facility.
Details of the Incident and Response
The leak was reported from the Sinex Metchem Pharma Company, located in Sarigam town, an Industrial Notified Area. Upon receiving the alert, a coordinated response team comprising fire brigade personnel, GPCB officials, and local police swiftly arrived at the scene. The injured were promptly transported to a private hospital in Valsad for medical attention.
Police have identified the affected individuals as company owner Vinod Patel, aged 52, and three workers: Dinesh Verma (22), Prince Kumar (21), and Punit Kumar (22). All are residents of Sarigam in Umargam taluka of Valsad district. Vinod Patel was later shifted to Kiran Hospital in Surat for further treatment, highlighting the severity of his condition.
Cause and Effects of the Gas Leak
Sources within the GPCB revealed that the incident took place during a chemical process in a reactor at the factory. Vinod Patel was reportedly supervising the process near the reactor when the chemical overflowed, spreading through the room and affecting him and the three laborers. The leak caused symptoms described as "tear gas-like effects and breathing problems," leading to immediate evacuation of all personnel from the premises.
In addition to those directly involved, the gas also impacted some passersby in the vicinity, who reported teary eyes and discomfort. This underscores the potential environmental and public health risks associated with such industrial accidents.
Official Statements and Investigation
Bhadresh Patel, the GPCB's Sarigam Regional Officer, provided insights into the response efforts. "Our teams reached the spot promptly after learning about the incident," he stated. "The fire department team sprinkled water on the concentrated chemical substance to mitigate its effects, and the factory's doors and windows were immediately shut to prevent further dispersion of the gas into the air."
He added that the factory has been operational for six years, with initial document checks appearing satisfactory. However, the specific chemical compound being manufactured at the time remains unknown, and the owner's statement is yet to be recorded. The condition of the three laborers is now stable, and they have been discharged from the hospital after receiving primary treatment.
The GPCB is actively investigating the root cause of the leak to determine any lapses in safety measures or procedural errors. This incident follows a recent gas leak at Gujarat Fluorochemicals, which resulted in one death and 13 injuries, raising concerns about industrial safety standards in the region.
