An oleum gas leak was reported at Bhageria Industries Limited in the Boisar industrial belt of Maharashtra's Palghar district on Monday, prompting an immediate response from authorities. The leak was contained at 6:45 pm after a coordinated operation by the district administration and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF).
As per a statement from the Palghar Collector, a leak started at approximately 2 pm from a 2,500-litre oleum storage tank at the facility, previously known as Zealot Chemicals. The oleum, a fuming sulfuric acid, reacted with the air, releasing sulfur dioxide and other sulfur oxides, which formed a thick white cloud that quickly dispersed over a three to five-kilometre area.
The south-easterly wind direction caused areas such as Camlin Naka, Taki Naka, Saravali, Khaira Pada, and the vicinity of Boisar railway station to be affected. A fog-like layer of white fumes enveloped Boisar, causing significant concern among local residents and industrial workers.
More than 2,600 people, including nearly 1,600 students from Tarapur Vidyamandir and Chinmaya Vidyalaya and over 1,000 factory workers, were evacuated as a precaution after an oleum gas leak at Bhageria Industries in Boisar’s MIDC area. The MIDC residential colony was also cleared.
Residents reported eye irritation, coughing, skin itching, and nausea, with at least three people hospitalised in stable condition. Around five employees may have been exposed.
The district administration, along with the NDRF, fire brigade, police, industrial safety department, and Maharashtra Pollution Control Board, responded immediately. Teams wore SCBA gear and deployed sandbags to contain the leak, which was controlled at 6:45 pm after three hours of operations.
Authorities had issued safety advisories urging residents to move away from the area, cover their nose and mouth, and seek medical attention if needed. Air quality monitoring systems were activated, and medical facilities remained on alert. No fatalities or major property damage have been reported. The cause of the leak is under investigation.