Thirteen workers were rushed to hospital after a leak of dimethyl sulphate occurred at a chemical manufacturing unit in Maharashtra’s Palghar district. The incident took place at a facility in the Tarapur MIDC area of Boisar. Vivekanand Kadam, Chief of the District Disaster Management Cell, confirmed this.
Chemical Transfer Leads to Fume Exposure
Workers were transferring dimethyl sulphate—a toxic, oily liquid known for causing skin and eye irritation—from plant four to plant ten. The leak occurred during the transfer at the unit, which manufactures antioxidants. “The fumes released during the transfer caused eye irritation among the workers,” Kadam explained.
Precautionary Hospitalisation and Ongoing Probe
Considering the hazardous nature of the chemical, authorities immediately hospitalised the affected workers as a precautionary step. Authorities have launched a detailed investigation into the mishap. SG Babban, Assistant Director at the Directorate of Industrial Safety and Health, is leading the probe. The investigation will focus on the safety protocols followed during the transfer and whether proper industrial safety standards were in place.
Fire Department Not Alerted
Interestingly, no one notified the local fire brigade. A fire official stated that the company managed the situation internally. He said the company appeared to have sprayed water on the chemical spill, which created fumes and caused discomfort among the workers.
Next Steps
Investigators are now assessing whether the staff followed appropriate emergency procedures and hazard controls. According to indiatvnews.com, officials expect the findings to help strengthen industrial safety norms across similar chemical units in the region.