Thane: Late Thursday night, a gas leak at a chemical factory in Ambernath, Thane district, caused significant alarm but fortunately resulted in no injuries or hospitalisations. The leak occurred during a gas venting process, which led to a hazardous spread of gas across the surrounding area. According to officials from the Ambernath Fire Brigade, the incident was reported around 11 pm.
The release of the gas resulted in a thick, smog-like haze enveloping the Morivali MIDC area, causing distress among local residents who reported symptoms such as eye irritation and breathing difficulties. Fire brigade personnel quickly responded to the emergency, working to control the situation and mitigate further risks. The Chief of the Disaster Management Cell of the Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC) confirmed that the gas leak was traced to a phosphorous-based chemical used in the factory, which generated dense white smoke. The authorities advised residents to remain indoors as a precautionary measure until the situation was fully under control.
As a result of the incident, manufacturing activities at the chemical factory have been temporarily suspended. The TMC’s regional disaster management cell and local firefighters were instrumental in addressing the situation and ensuring that no injuries occurred. The incident highlighted the importance of stringent safety protocols in industrial zones to prevent such occurrences. In a related incident, on August 20, a separate gas leak in Thane’s Kalwa area resulted in a fire that caused injuries. The fire, which originated from a leaking LPG cylinder, led to severe burns for two individuals. One of the injured was hospitalised at KEM Hospital in Mumbai, while the other received treatment at Kalwa Civic Hospital. The fire caused damage to household goods and wooden structures of nearby homes.
