Oleum Gas Leak at Palghar Chemical Unit Prompts Mass Evacuation in Maharashtra

Toxic Fumes Blanket Boisar Industrial Belt

A significant oleum gas leak occurred on Monday, March 2, 2026, at Bhageria Industries Limited, a chemical unit located in the Tarapur MIDC area of Boisar, Palghar district, Maharashtra, India. The incident, which began around 2:00 PM, involved the release of oleum gas, also known as fuming sulphuric acid, from a 2,500-litre storage tank. Strong winds rapidly dispersed dense white fumes across a radius of approximately three to five kilometers, causing widespread alarm among residents and industrial workers in the vicinity.

Extensive Evacuation and Health Concerns

In response to the hazardous leak, authorities initiated a large-scale evacuation, moving over 2,600 individuals to safety. This included approximately 1,600 students from educational institutions such as Tarapur Vidyamandir and Chinmaya Vidyalaya, as well as more than 1,000 workers from Bhageria Industries and adjacent factories. While no fatalities were reported, several residents experienced symptoms such as eye irritation, redness, coughing, throat discomfort, skin itching, and nausea. At least three individuals required hospitalization for minor eye irritation, and officials indicated that around five employees might have been exposed to the gas. All hospitalized individuals were reported to be in stable condition.

Swift Emergency Response and Containment Efforts

Upon receiving reports of the leak, Palghar District Collector Dr. Indu Rani Jakhar immediately activated the district disaster management plan. A coordinated response involved teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), local fire brigades, police, the industrial safety department, the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board, and the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC). Initial efforts to pinpoint the leak's source were hampered by the high concentration of fumes. However, NDRF personnel, equipped with self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), successfully located the leaking tank. Sandbags were then deployed around the tank to suppress the fumes and contain the spread of the chemical. The leak was brought under control by 6:45 PM on Monday, following sustained efforts by the emergency teams.

Official Advisories and Ongoing Investigation

Throughout the incident, authorities, including Palghar Superintendent of Police Yatish Deshmukh, urged residents to remain calm, avoid spreading rumors, and adhere to official advisories. Citizens were advised to stay away from the affected area, cover their nose and mouth with a wet cloth or mask, avoid direct contact with the leaked chemical, and wash exposed skin or eyes with clean water for 15 to 20 minutes, seeking medical attention if symptoms persisted. They were also cautioned against pouring water directly on the leak, as it could intensify the fumes. The exact cause of the oleum gas leak remains under investigation.