HUNDREDS OF villagers from neighbouring Raisen district were rushed to City’s JP Hospital for treatment after they were affected by an unknown gas on Saturday evening. A gas leak, the source of which has yet to be identified, triggered panic in three villages of Raisen district. As a result, a large number of villagers also vacated their houses. To some, it brought back memories of the Bhopal gas disaster in 1984. However, no casualty was reported till the filing of the report.
Though the exact cause of gas leak has yet to be ascertained, locals say either it was a gas leak from a nearby factory in Mandideep or from a tanker carrying ammonia. Another theory — disposal of tear gas by the RAF station at Bangrasia — is also doing the rounds. Experts from Pollution Control Board and Industrial Safety also rushed to the spot to find out the exact cause of gas leak. .
After learning about the alleged gas leak, the district administration swung into action and tried to convince the people not to get worried.
Talking to the Hindustan Times, Raisen Collector Arun Bhatt said he came to know around 8 pm that residents of some villages near Mandideep area complained about swelling in stomach, choked throats and burning in eyes. “As soon as I came to know about the incident I directed the SDM, Gohargunj, to take stock of the situation.”
Bhatt said the residents of Kiratnagar, Nayapura and Mendua were affected by the gas. “The exact source of the gas leak is not identified,” he said. Some villagers were taken to nearby hospitals of Mandideep and Obedullahgunj and discharged after treatment. Some others rushed to Bhopal’s J P Hospital, he said, adding that the affect of the gas remained for less than an hour.
Bhatt said the residents of Kiratnagar, Nayapura and Mendua were affected by the gas. “The exact source of the gas leak is not identified,” he said. Some villagers were taken to nearby hospitals of Mandideep and Obedullahgunj and discharged after treatment. Some others rushed to Bhopal’s J P Hospital, he said, adding that the affect of the gas remained for less than an hour.