A devastating blast at the Myanmar Chemical Company in Shalgaon, MIDC, located in Kadegaon tehsil of Sangli district, Maharashtra, resulted in three fatalities and left nine others injured on Thursday evening. The explosion occurred around 6:30 pm, followed by a toxic gas leak that led to severe respiratory issues among those exposed.
According to officials, the explosion at the fertilizer plant released dangerous chemical fumes, leading to the tragic deaths of three people, including two women and a security guard. The deceased have been identified as Suchita Uthale (50), a resident of Yetgaon in Sangli district, and Neelam Rethrekar (26), from Masur in Satara district. Both women were workers at the facility. The security guard lost his life due to exposure to the harmful fumes.
The gas leak, which followed the explosion, is suspected to have been ammonia, a highly toxic chemical commonly used in fertilizer production.
Sangli Superintendent of Police Sandip Ghuge confirmed that ammonia fumes may have caused severe damage to the respiratory systems of the affected individuals. Authorities reported that 12 people from the plant were exposed to the gas, with nine currently hospitalized.
Seven of the injured individuals were admitted to Sahyadri Hospital in Karad, with five in the intensive care unit (ICU) for immediate treatment. Doctors have expressed concerns about the long-term respiratory effects for those exposed to high levels of ammonia, which can cause swelling, narrowing of airways, and severe damage to the lungs.
Inhaling ammonia can cause severe health complications. The chemical can severely irritate the mucous membranes of the lungs, leading to respiratory distress and, in extreme cases, respiratory failure. Prolonged exposure without proper ventilation could also result in asphyxiation. Medical teams are working to stabilize the injured workers and provide necessary treatment.
Police have launched an investigation into the cause of the explosion and subsequent gas leak at the Myanmar Chemical Company. Authorities are assessing the safety protocols at the plant and considering whether lapses in procedures may have contributed to the tragic incident.
(Input from various sources)
(Rehash/Dr. Sreelekshmi P/MSM)