PUNE: Twenty-four individuals were hospitalised following a chlorine gas leak in Pune's Kondhwa area on Thursday, as reported by the news agency PTI. The leak originated from an abandoned tank containing chlorine at a defunct water purification plant godown in the Gangadham area around 1 am, according to officials.
A fire official stated: "Following the leak and the subsequent spread of gas, residents in the vicinity complained of breathlessness. Upon receiving the call, fire teams were dispatched. Several citizens were evacuated, and the leaking tank was patched using safety equipment."
During the operation, 22 residents and two fire personnel experienced breathlessness and were rushed to the hospital, the official added. A man who previously operated the water purification plant at the site mentioned that he had dismantled the unit, but the tank containing chlorine appeared to have remained unattended and developed a leak.
"All the affected residents and the two fire personnel are out of danger and currently under observation at Sassoon General Hospital," the official confirmed.
The incident highlights the risks posed by abandoned industrial equipment in urban areas. Local authorities have been urged to conduct safety audits of such sites to prevent future occurrences. The prompt response by fire teams helped mitigate a potentially larger disaster, as chlorine gas can cause severe respiratory issues and other health complications.
Residents in the Gangadham area have expressed concerns about the presence of hazardous materials in their neighbourhood. The civic body has assured a thorough investigation into the matter and promised stricter regulations for the disposal of chemical tanks.
