A chlorine gas leak at the Chandrapur Municipal Corporation’s water purification plant in Maharashtra on Wednesday evening triggered panic among residents, forcing dozens of families to evacuate their homes. The incident caused widespread uneasiness in the locality as people complained of burning eyes, nausea, breathing difficulties, and vomiting, prompting several to seek medical attention. Authorities confirmed that while many were hospitalised, no casualties were reported.
The situation escalated around 7 pm when a major leakage occurred, and winds carried the gas across nearby areas, worsening the impact. Residents had already detected a foul smell since Tuesday night, but the intensity increased sharply the following evening. In response, district and municipal officials, along with fire brigade units, police personnel, and senior officers, rushed to the spot to control the situation and provide relief. Around 60 to 70 families were moved to safer locations, including municipal schools, while others fled on their own to escape the toxic fumes.
Children and women were among those affected, and ambulances transported several patients to hospitals for treatment. Meanwhile, a special repair team immediately began work at the plant to stop the leakage. The entire area was sealed off by police, and residents were evacuated as a precautionary measure.
Later in the evening, the District Disaster Management Authority issued a statement confirming the chlorine gas leak at the Rahmatnagar-based purification plant. It reassured the public that the fire brigade and emergency teams were at the site, repair works were underway, and the situation was under control. Authorities added that monitoring would continue to ensure public safety.
