Palghar Oleum Leak Triggers 2,600 Evacuations as Dense Fumes Drift

At a Boisar MIDC facility in Palghar district, a tank of oleum released a dense cloud of white fumes, prompting a large-scale evacuation as winds carried the hazardous gas across the industrial belt. Oleum is a highly corrosive liquid that releases sulfur trioxide when exposed to air, posing serious risks to lungs, eyes, and skin.

Authorities ordered the evacuation of 1,600 students from Tarapur Vidyamandir and over 1,000 workers from Bhageria Industries and nearby firms. National Disaster Response Force teams, along with the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre and the Fire Brigade, initially faced access hurdles due to heavy smoke, but investigators later located the source and entered the premises using self-contained breathing apparatus to assess and contain the leak.

To suppress the fumes, responders deployed sandbags around the leaking tank and began containment operations. Officials said 90-95% of the spillage had been addressed at the site, and there was no ongoing life-threatening danger in the immediate area at that time.

Three people reported minor eye irritation and were receiving medical treatment at local hospitals, while air-quality monitoring continued and residents were advised to stay away from the affected zone.

Oleum is a cloudy, grey liquid used in making sulfuric acid, explosives, detergents, and in oil refining. It is highly volatile and dangerous when inhaled, capable of causing severe lung injury and burns on contact with skin or eyes.

Investigations into the leak are underway, with authorities coordinating safety measures and monitoring to determine the cause and prevent recurrence. The incident highlights the ongoing need for stringent safety protocols in industrial zones near residential areas.

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