Chlorine Gas Leak in Vasai Claims One Life, Injures 19
A tragic industrial accident unfolded in Palghar district on Tuesday when a chlorine gas leak from a water treatment tank claimed one life and left nineteen people injured. The incident occurred in the Diwanman area of Sun City, Vasai, sending panic through the residential neighborhood and prompting emergency response from multiple agencies.
Timeline of the Tragic Incident
The disaster management officials from Vasai Virar Municipal Corporation (VVMC) confirmed that the leakage was first reported around 3:30 PM on Tuesday, November 25, 2025. The accident took place during routine maintenance work at a local water tank where chlorine cylinders were installed for water purification purposes.
According to municipal authorities, the chlorine cylinders had been in service for at least ten years, dating back to when the water tanker was originally constructed. During the maintenance operations, one of these aging cylinders unexpectedly collapsed, triggering the dangerous gas leak that quickly spread through the surrounding area.
Casualties and Emergency Response
The human cost of the accident became immediately apparent. Dev Kantilal Pardiwal, a 49-year-old local resident, inhaled the toxic fumes and was rushed to a nearby hospital. Despite medical efforts, he tragically succumbed to the exposure.
Among the nineteen injured victims, the distribution highlighted the dual impact of the incident. Fourteen affected individuals were local residents from the surrounding neighborhoods, while five were firefighters from the local station who responded to the emergency call. The brave fire officials who suffered exposure were part of the team that managed to contain the dangerous situation.
Heroic Efforts Avert Larger Catastrophe
Firefighters demonstrated remarkable courage and quick thinking in containing what could have become a much larger disaster. Their prompt action involved pouring water directly onto the exposed cylinders and subsequently submerging them in a specially created pit.
"The spread of chlorine fumes was effectively contained by our fire officials who immediately poured water on the exposed cylinders and submerged them in a pit," confirmed an official from the disaster management cell. "This swift and decisive response undoubtedly prevented a much larger incident from occurring."
Medical authorities confirmed that all injured individuals are currently receiving treatment at local hospitals. Two patients required admission to the Intensive Care Unit, though hospital officials reported that all patients are now in stable condition and out of immediate danger.
The incident has raised serious questions about the safety protocols and maintenance schedules for industrial equipment, particularly aging infrastructure used in essential public services like water purification. Local authorities have launched a comprehensive investigation to determine the exact cause of the cylinder failure and to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
