Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh): Leakage of chlorine gas at a factory in the Industrial area on JK Road on Wednesday afternoon caused panic among locals and workers, leaving many with eye irritation and breathing difficulties for some time.
DM Kaushalendra Vikram Singh has ordered a joint inquiry into the incident by the Chief Medical and Health Officer and the Bhopal Municipal Corporation, instructing that the report be submitted within two days.
The incident occurred around 3.30 pm at a factory manufacturing chlorine tablets. It is reported that chlorine gas started leaking from a storage used for keeping raw materials at the factory.
The gas quickly spread outside the premises, forcing the locals and workers to move away while using masks and other protective gear.
Piplani police station In-charge Inspector Chandrika Yadav said the factory was closed on Wednesday. Police received information regarding the incident from workers of adjoining factories. The adjoining buildings and factories were evacuated, and senior officials were informed.
SDM, Govindpura, Ravish Kumar Srivastava, also reached the spot, and SDRF and NDRF teams, along with the fire department, were roped in to contain the leakage.
The teams used caustic soda to neutralise the gas, and it took around 1-½ hours to contain the leakage, Inspector Yadav added.
The gas caused tears and irritation in the eyes and breathing problems for those affected. However, none of them complained of any serious problems. The officials and personnel engaged in rescue work wore masks.
Inspector Yadav said primary investigations suggest that the raw material at the store got wet, triggering the leakage of chlorine gas.
