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Authorities activate disaster plan, urging calm and caution.Boisar / Tarapur MIDC Area, 02 Marcg 2026 : A major chemical leak at Tarapur MIDC on March 1, 2026, afternoon prompted the evacuation of more than 2,600 people, including schoolchildren and factory workers, after a dense toxic cloud spread across the industrial zone. Authorities confirmed that while several individuals experienced health discomfort, no fatalities or serious injuries occurred.
The incident took place around 2:00 PM at Bhageria Industries Ltd., formerly Zenith Chemicals, in Boisar. The leak originated from a 2,500-litre storage tank containing oleum, also known as fuming sulphuric acid, with reports of sulfur trioxide fumes also present. The release created a thick plume that drifted toward nearby schools and industrial units, triggering immediate precautionary measures.
Among those evacuated were approximately 1,600 students from Tarapur Vidyamandir and Chinmaya Vidyalaya, along with more than 1,000 workers from surrounding factories. School authorities acted swiftly, moving children to safe indoor areas before coordinated evacuation with emergency teams.
At least three individuals were hospitalized with symptoms including eye irritation, nausea, and breathing difficulty. They were treated at a local medical facility and are reported to be stable. Health officials cautioned that exposure to oleum fumes can cause respiratory and skin irritation, particularly in confined spaces.
Emergency teams from the National Disaster Response Force and fire brigade contained the situation within three hours, securing the affected tank and monitoring air quality in surrounding areas. District Collector Dr. Indu Rani Jakhar activated the disaster management plan, advising residents within a five-kilometre radius to remain indoors with doors and windows shut. Safety instructions included covering the nose and mouth with a wet cloth if outdoors and avoiding direct contact with leaked chemicals.
Authorities also warned against pouring water onto the substance, as this could intensify the reaction and increase fume generation. Police officials urged calm, advising residents to rely only on official updates and avoid spreading unverified information online.
By late afternoon, the situation was declared under control, with industrial operations in the immediate vicinity temporarily halted as a precaution. An inquiry has been launched to determine the cause of the leak and review safety compliance at the facility.
The incident has renewed focus on industrial safety standards in Tarapur, one of Maharashtra’s largest chemical manufacturing hubs, even as officials emphasized that timely response and coordination helped prevent a more serious outcome.
