24 hospitalised in Pune after chlorine gas leaks from defunct water plant

A suspected chlorine gas leak from a cylinder at a defunct storage facility near Gangadham Chowk in Pune led to the hospitalisation of 24 people, including four children and two firefighters, in the early hours of Thursday.

The incident was reported around 12:50 am at a closed premises. Residents in the surrounding area experienced throat and nasal irritation, breathing difficulties, and general discomfort, prompting emergency calls.

Fire Officer Sunil Naiknavare said fire brigade teams rushed to the spot and identified a leaking chlorine gas cylinder inside the facility, which was previously used by a company engaged in water purification work. “We found out that a gas storage capsule for chlorine had a leak. Residents from the houses very close to the location who suffered chlorine exposure were moved in ambulances to the government’s Sassoon Hospital,” a fire brigade officer, Bhilare, said.

According to officials, the leak originated from an abandoned tank containing chlorine at a defunct water purification plant godown in the Gangadham area around 1 am. Following the leak and the spread of gas, residents in the vicinity complained of breathlessness. Fire teams evacuated several citizens and patched the leaking tank using safety equipment.

During the operation, 22 residents and two fire personnel complained of breathlessness and were rushed to hospital. Two firefighters involved in containment efforts were also exposed to the gas and required medical attention.

Fire officials confirmed that all affected individuals are currently in stable condition and remain under medical observation at Sassoon General Hospital. A man who previously operated the water purification plant said he had dismantled the unit, but the chlorine tank appeared to have been left unattended and developed a leak.

Firefighters deployed specialised breathing equipment to handle the situation safely. Teams brought the leak under control using a chemical neutralisation process involving caustic soda.

The Deputy Commissioner of Police supervised the rescue and containment operation, while police authorities have launched an investigation to examine the legality and operational status of the storage facility.