A catastrophic chlorine gas leak from an aging cylinder near a water tank in Vasai, Palghar district of Maharashtra, claimed the life of a 59-year-old resident and sent 18 others to hospitals on Tuesday, underscoring the perils of industrial negligence in densely populated areas. The incident, which unfolded around 3:30 pm adjacent to the Diwanman crematorium, released toxic fumes that rapidly spread, affecting a cross-section of the local community including vulnerable groups such as children, women, and the elderly.

The breach occurred during routine maintenance work on a 10- to 15-year-old chlorine cylinder, where a faulty valve suddenly gave way, unleashing a noxious cloud that permeated the surrounding neighbourhood. Among the hospitalised are five firefighters from the Suncity fire station, who heroically responded to contain the hazard but suffered severe inhalation injuries in the process. Victims include the station in-charge Vijay Rane (53), firemen Kalpesh Patil (41) and Kunal Patil (28), along with drivers Pramod Patil (43) and Sachin More, the latter of whom has since been discharged after initial treatment.

The deceased, identified as Dev Kantilal Pardiwal, succumbed shortly after exposure, while his wife Manisha (55) remains in intensive care battling respiratory complications. Other affected individuals comprise a young boy, two teenage girls—Priya Rathod (14), Anish Solanki (15), and Nazneem Dogaria (17)—as well as five women including Anjali Rathod (19), Pushpa Mistry (72), and Shanta Solanki (62), and an elderly man Kantilal Mistry (75). Emergency services rushed all 19 impacted persons to three nearby hospitals, where medical teams are monitoring for long-term effects from the corrosive gas.

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Responding swiftly to distress calls, the Suncity fire brigade arrived at the scene to secure the leaking valve and mitigate further dispersal of the hazardous substance. Resident Deputy Collector Subhash Bagde detailed the sequence of events, stating, “A 10- to 15-year-old chlorine cylinder began leaking from its valve, releasing toxic fumes in the surrounding area. Fire brigade personnel from Suncity fire station immediately reached the spot and tried to plug the leak. But several of them suffered gas inhalation in the process.” Authorities have initiated a probe into the cylinder's maintenance history and storage protocols to prevent recurrence.

This tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the inherent risks posed by aging industrial equipment in proximity to residential zones, prompting calls for stringent safety audits and regulatory enforcement. As the affected community grapples with grief and recovery, local officials have assured comprehensive support for the victims' families, while investigations continue to ascertain accountability and implement corrective measures across similar facilities in the region.

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