Gas leak in chemical factory triggers panic in capital Odisha

Bhubaneswar: A gas leak was reported from an abandoned chemical factory in capital Odisha here today.

The incident took place in the afternoon at Chandaka Industrial Estate in the capital.

“Sodium hypochlorite, commonly known as bleach, leaked from a bottle at the abandoned chemical factory,” fire department director general Sudhanshu Sarangi said in a statement.

When the fire department was informed, they rushed to the spot along with fire engines and initiated an operation to trace the cylinder, Sarangi added.

Fire department personnel searched the area wearing oxygen masks and located the bottle. After firefighters located the cylinder, he sprayed a neutralizing compound – limestone mixed with water – onto the cylinder as a precautionary measure, he said.

“The cylinder was moved to an isolated location with all safety measures in place. The situation is under control as the gas detector showed no concern for human life. The air standard in the area was found to be normal,” Sarangi added.

The incident caused panic among locals as the abandoned chemical factory is close to a private school.