Chlorine gas leak reported from chemical plant in Bhubaneswar; no losses

A gas leak from a chemical factory in Chandaka industrial area triggered panic on Saturday. However, a serious accident was averted through timely intervention by the fire department.

According to reports, personnel at Chandrasekharpur Fire Station received a call in the evening regarding gas leakage at a chemical factory named Shivam Chemicals in Chandaka Industrial Area.

Without wasting a moment, five teams reached the spot. A lifeboat, a water tanker and four fire extinguishers were deployed to bring the situation under control. It is suspected that the gas leaked was sodium hypochlorite. Wearing protective gear, including oxygen breathing masks, firefighters rushed into the factory and moved the defective cylinder to a remote location. As a precautionary measure, a neutralizing compound may be used.

Limestone mixed with water was sprayed and a gas detector device was used, which showed no threat to human life as the air standard remained within a normal and safe range. During the operation, the road between Patia and Infocity was sealed and traffic was diverted.

“The fire department personnel entered the factory premises wearing oxygen gas masks. After identifying the defective cylinder, they neutralized and isolated it. The air quality was checked using a gas detector. There is no problem for people,” said Deepak Kumar, Fire Services IG.

Narayan Das, a fireman, informed about the seriousness of the situation and said, “Chlorine gas is a poisonous gas. Its exit could claim human lives. We picked up five cylinders from the factory premises and took the defective one to a remote location. Further inspections are underway.”