Sbkinews.in/Maharashtra
Palghar gas leak
Subheading: Toxic Chemical Leak at Yashtika Pharma Pvt. Ltd. in Boisar MIDC Triggers Panic; Emergency Response Underway, Authorities Investigate Lapses
Palghar, Maharashtra: A hazardous gas leak at a pharmaceutical company in the area resulted in a catastrophic industrial catastrophe that left at least four persons dead and numerous others gravely injured.Boisar Industrial Area of Palghar district on Thursday. The incident has sent shockwaves through the region, raising serious questions about industrial safety protocols.
The tragedy occurred around 2:30 PM at Yashtika Pharma Pvt.Ltd., situated in the Boisar area of the Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC). Preliminary reports from local authorities indicate that the leak originated from a reactor used for manufacturing active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs).
The deceased have been identified as plant workers who were present in the immediate vicinity of the leak and succumbed to acute inhalation of the toxic fumes. They were pronounced dead upon arrival at a local hospital. Several other employees and workers, reporting difficulty in breathing, burning sensations in the eyes, and nausea, were rushed to nearby hospitals for emergency treatment. Their condition is reported to be stable but under observation.
Immediate Response and Chaos:
Upon receiving alerts, local emergency services swung into action. To stop additional exposure, police and fire department crews hurried to the scene and roped off the area.Personnel from the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) were also dispatched to the site to assess the environmental impact and identify the exact chemical that had leaked.
“The area was immediately sealed. Our first priority was to evacuate all personnel and ensure the safety of the surrounding areas. The leak has been contained, and the situation is now under control,” stated a senior police official from the Palghar district police.
Company Under Scanner:
Yashtika Pharma, which manufactures pharmaceutical intermediates and formulations, is now facing intense scrutiny. The plant has been shut down indefinitely pending a full investigation.
This incident has once again cast a harsh light on the safety standards within industrial zones. Local residents and environmental activists have long raised concerns about the handling of hazardous materials in the Boisar belt, which houses numerous chemical and pharmaceutical units.
“This is a man-made disaster, a result of negligence,” claimed a representative of a local environmental group. “We have been flagging the lax safety culture in these plants for years. This tragedy was waiting to happen.”
Palghar gas leak
Official Statements and Investigation:
District Collector Dr. Govind Rathod confirmed the casualties and assured a thorough probe. “A detailed investigation has been initiated to ascertain the exact cause of the gas leak. We are looking into all possible angles, including technical failures and procedural violations. Those proven to be at fault will face severe consequences.
The police have registered a case against the company management under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), including culpable homicide not amounting to murder, and provisions of the Environment (Protection) Act.
Palghar gas leak
A History of Concerns:
The Boisar MIDC has witnessed minor incidents in the past, but this is one of the most severe in recent years. The tragedy echoes similar industrial accidents across the country, highlighting the critical need for stringent safety audits, better emergency preparedness, and stricter enforcement of environmental norms.
The state government has announced compensation for the families of the deceased and for those undergoing treatment.
As the community mourns the loss of lives, the Palghar gas leak serves as a grim reminder of the human cost of industrial negligence and the imperative need for unwavering commitment to safety protocols.