Pune
oi-Swastika Sruti
A late-night gas leak incident in Kondhwa area of Pune created panic among residents after chlorine gas escaped from a closed water treatment plant.
A chlorine gas leak occurred at a shut-down water treatment plant in Pune’s Kondhwa area early Wednesday, hospitalising 24 residents and firefighters experiencing breathing difficulties, prompting an investigation into safety lapses.
The incident happened around 1 am on Wednesday night and led to at least 24 people being hospitalised, including local residents and firefighters.
How the Incident Happened
According to officials, the leak occurred at a shut-down water purification facility located in the Gangadham area. Chlorine gas started leaking from a storage tank that had been left behind even after the plant was closed.
The gas quickly spread in the surrounding area, affecting people living nearby.
Residents Face Breathing Problems
As the gas spread, several residents began experiencing breathing difficulties and discomfort. The situation caused panic in the neighbourhood, with many people rushing out of their homes in the middle of the night.
Emergency services were alerted immediately, and teams from the fire department reached the spot without delay.
Firefighters Control the Leak
Firefighters used safety equipment to manage the situation and stop the leak from the chlorine tank. During the rescue operation, many residents were safely moved away from the affected area to prevent further exposure.
However, the rescue team also faced the effects of the gas. In total:
- 22 residents
- 2 firefighters
were taken to hospital after experiencing breathing issues.
Victims Under Medical Observation
All affected individuals were rushed to Sassoon General Hospital for treatment.
Doctors confirmed that everyone is currently stable and out of danger. They are being kept under observation as a precaution.
Why Did the Leak Occur?
Officials stated that the water treatment plant had already been shut down, but the chlorine tank was not removed from the premises. The leak reportedly started from this unattended tank.
Authorities are now looking into safety lapses and whether proper procedures were followed after the plant was closed.
Safety Concerns Raised
This incident has raised serious concerns about the handling and storage of hazardous chemicals like chlorine, especially in residential areas. Experts stress that even unused facilities must follow strict safety rules to avoid such risks.
The chlorine gas leak in Kondhwa could have turned into a major disaster, but quick action by emergency teams helped control the situation in time. While all affected individuals are now safe, the incident highlights the importance of proper chemical storage and regular safety checks to prevent such emergencies in the future.
