One worker dead, 11 others in hospital after gas leak at factory near Kalyan

The incident took place when a team of workers were repairing a pipeline in Century Rayon’s factory in Shahad

One worker at Century Rayon Limited factory in Shahad , near Kalyan, died after inhaling toxic gas that leaked from one of its pipelines, while 11 others had to be rushed to hospital on Thursday night.

One worker standing close to the pipeline died on the spot on Thursday night.

The factory is located around 46km from Mumbai city.

The incident took place around 10pm, when a team of workers were repairing a pipeline in one of the plants. The victim, Sanjay Sharma,34, died on the spot after inhaling the poisonous gas.

A team of fire officials and local police rushed to the spot and stopped the gas leak.

“One worker who was near the pipe died immediately, while 11 others were rushed to hospital as their condition worsened,” confirmed Ankit Goyal, deputy commissioner of police, Ulhasnagar. “We are investigating the cause of the leakage.”

Following the incident, the workers’ union and relatives of those affected by the gas leak have raised concern over the lack of safety measures taken during repair works in the company.

“A team of workers were doing some repair work in one of the plants. The company has followed all safety norms. Our senior staff reached the spot immediately, and arranged to send the affected workers to hospital for treatment,” said Anil Vyas, public relations officer, Century Rayon.

Company sources said the other workers admitted in hospital are out of danger.