Gas Leak and Blast at Fertiliser Plant in Maharashtra Claims 3 Lives, Hospitalises 9

A gas leak following a reactor explosion at a fertiliser plant in Maharashtra’s Sangli district claimed three lives and left nine others hospitalised on Thursday evening, November 21.

The incident took place at Myanmar Chemical Company, situated in the Shalgaon MIDC area of Kadegaon tehsil, around 6:30 p.m.

Preliminary investigations suggest that the explosion in the reactor released chemical fumes, suspected to be ammonia, according to local police.

“Following the gas leak, 12 individuals were affected and promptly taken to nearby hospitals. Unfortunately, three of them succumbed to their injuries, while the remaining nine are under treatment,” said Senior Inspector Sangram Shewale of the Kadegaon police station.

Among the injured, seven were admitted to Sahyadri Hospital in Karad, with five reportedly in the intensive care unit.

Sandip Ghuge, Superintendent of Police for the district, confirmed ammonia as the likely gas involved in the leak. Authorities have initiated an investigation to determine the cause of the reactor explosion and subsequent gas release.

This tragic incident underscores the importance of stringent safety protocols in industrial facilities to prevent such disasters.

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