Maharashtra Fertiliser Plant Gas Leak: 3 Dead, 9 Injured

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Maharashtra Fertilizer Plant Tragedy: Reactor Explosion Leads to Gas Leak, 3 Dead, 9 Hospitalized

Sangli/Mumbai: A catastrophic gas leak triggered by a reactor explosion at a fertilizer plant in Maharashtra’s Sangli district has claimed three lives, including two women, and left nine others hospitalized. The incident unfolded at the Myanmar Chemical Company in the Shalgaon MIDC area of Kadegaon tehsil around 6:30 PM on Thursday.

A Shocking Incident

The explosion released toxic chemical fumes, severely affecting the health of 12 workers on site. Among the deceased were two women workers and a security guard, while the injured were rushed to nearby hospitals. Five of the injured workers are in critical condition, battling for their lives in intensive care.

“Three individuals, including two women, have died, and nine others are receiving treatment,” confirmed Sangram Shewale, senior inspector at Kadegaon police station.

Ammonia Identified as the Leaked Gas

Initial findings indicate that ammonia may have been the chemical leaked during the explosion, according to Sangli Superintendent of Police Sandip Ghuge. Ammonia exposure, even at low concentrations, can cause severe respiratory distress, eye irritation, and in severe cases, death.

The injured workers were taken to Sahyadri Hospital in Karad, where medical teams are providing round-the-clock care. The victims who lost their lives have been identified as Suchita Uthale (50) from Yetgaon in Sangli district and Neelam Rethrekar (26) from Masur in Satara district.

Efforts to Contain the Crisis

Emergency response teams acted swiftly to secure the site, ensuring no further harm to workers or surrounding areas. Authorities have launched an investigation to uncover the precise cause of the reactor explosion and assess any lapses in safety measures.

Local police and industrial safety officials are also reviewing operational protocols at the plant to prevent similar tragedies in the future. Measures include a detailed inspection of equipment and stricter monitoring of hazardous chemical processes.

Broader Implications and Community Impact

The incident has left the local community in shock, with grieving families demanding accountability and action. It has raised serious questions about workplace safety in industrial zones, particularly in factories handling dangerous substances.

State officials have promised to provide compensation to the victims’ families and address the concerns of workers regarding safety protocols.

A Wake-Up Call for Industrial Safety

This tragedy serves as a harsh reminder of the critical need for stringent safety regulations and regular audits in industries dealing with hazardous materials. Experts emphasize the importance of equipping workers with proper protective gear, conducting emergency response drills, and enforcing zero-tolerance policies for negligence.

As investigations continue, the focus remains on ensuring justice for the victims and implementing systemic changes to prevent such incidents in the future.

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