Chlorine Gas Leaks At Defunct Water Purification Plant In Pune; 24 Hospitalised

At least 22 residents and two fire personnel were hospitalised after a chlorine gas leak in Pune’s Kondhwa area in the early hours of Thursday, officials said.

The incident took place around 1 am in the Gangadham locality, where the gas reportedly leaked from an abandoned chlorine tank at a defunct water purification plant godown, news agency PTI reported, citing the officials.

Fire officials said residents in the vicinity complained of breathlessness as the gas spread through the area, triggering panic. Fire brigade teams were rushed to the spot, and several people were evacuated as a precaution.

“Following the leak and the subsequent spread of gas, residents in the vicinity complained of breathlessness. Upon receiving the call, fire teams were

dispatched. Several citizens were evacuated, and the leaking tank was patched using safety equipment,” a fire official told the news agency.

During the operation, 22 residents and two fire personnel complained of breathlessness and were rushed to the hospital, he said.

According to officials, all those affected are now out of danger and remain under medical observation.

“All the affected residents and the two fire personnel are out of danger and currently under observation at Sassoon General Hospital,” the official said.

A man who previously operated the water purification unit said the facility had been dismantled earlier, but the chlorine tank was left unattended, which may have led to the leak.

(With inputs from agencies)