Mumbai: A 20-year-old man died and two others were hospitalised after inhaling toxic fumes following a suspected chemical leak in the Andheri industrial area on Saturday evening. The incident occurred around 4:55 p.m. inside a two-storey structure at Bhangarwadi in the Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC) zone, officials said.
Toxic fumes spread inside MIDC unit
According to preliminary information, the three individuals present in the unit began experiencing severe discomfort shortly after the fumes spread across the premises. The cause of the leak is yet to be identified, and officials have stated that an investigation is underway to determine the exact source of the emissions.
Fire brigade personnel rushed to the spot after being alerted by local workers. All three individuals were immediately shifted to Holy Spirit Hospital in the vicinity. Ahmad Hussain, aged 20, was declared dead on arrival by the hospital authorities. The other two victims, identified as 28-year-old Naushad Ansari and 17-year-old Saba Shaikh, have been admitted and are undergoing treatment.
Eyewitnesses reported that the victims collapsed within minutes of inhaling the fumes, prompting panic among workers in neighbouring units. Police teams and civic officials later cordoned off the area to prevent further exposure and commenced safety checks in nearby structures.
Search operations underway
A search operation is underway inside the affected structure to ensure no other individuals were exposed to the fumes. The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has been alerted and may join the operation if required, officials confirmed.
Authorities from the MIDC and local police are preparing a detailed report on the incident. Samples from the site are likely to be collected for forensic examination to determine whether the leak originated from chemical storage, industrial processes or accidental release of hazardous material.
Similar incident reported in Uttar Pradesh
In a separate incident earlier on Saturday, Hardoi district in Uttar Pradesh reported a suspected gas leak at a private school in Sandila town. At least 16 students fell unconscious and were rushed to two private hospitals. One student was later referred to Lucknow for advanced medical care.
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath directed officials to ensure proper treatment for the affected children and ordered a thorough investigation. Hardoi District Magistrate Anunay Jha stated that initial findings indicated the leak may have originated from the school laboratory. Authorities have begun precautionary safety inspections in other schools across the district.
Authorities call for stricter safety monitoring
In the wake of the Andheri MIDC incident, Mumbai civic authorities have stressed the need for enhanced safety protocols in industrial zones. Officials noted that many small and mid-scale units handle chemicals without adequate ventilation or emergency preparedness, making such areas vulnerable to accidents.
A senior fire department officer said that routine inspections and adherence to hazardous material handling guidelines must be strictly enforced to avoid repeat incidents. The officer added that prompt medical response helped save the lives of the two survivors.
As investigations continue, the families of the victims await further clarity on the cause of the leak and accountability. The incident has once again drawn attention to the importance of industrial safety measures in densely populated metropolitan areas.