Woman dies in Dombivli gas leak accident

An elderly woman died in a gas leak accident in the MIDC area of Dombivli on Saturday. This is the fourth such incident in Dombivli in the last two years. The source of the leak is yet to be ascertained, though locals blame the chemical manufacturing factories in the vicinity. Kiran Sonawane reports.

An elderly woman died in a gas leak accident in the MIDC area of Dombivli on Saturday. This is the fourth such incident in Dombivli in the last two years. The source of the leak is yet to be ascertained, though locals blame the chemical manufacturing factories in the vicinity.

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According to local MLA Ravindra Chavan, the incident took place in the afternoon when the victim, Prema Sheik, 75, was in her hut at Sonarpada Naka, along with her son Jawahar, 45. "The woman was asphyxiated to death within a few minutes, but her son survived and was given medical help," Chavan said.

Besides the woman, two stray dogs were also found dead.

"We have written to the MIDC authority as well as the Pollution Control Board asking them to check the safety norms being followed by the chemical industries, but the authorities have given them a free hand," said Chavan. He has submitted a letter to the PCB asking them to explain the incident, and the action taken against the companies.

Prakash Mhatre, a Shiv Sena activist, blamed the MIDC for the disappearance of tortoises, fishes and other animals in the area. Pollution officer SR Deshmukh, said, "We have collected water samples. Nothing can be said until the report comes in."