Locals complain of breathing difficulties, haze after suspected gas leak in Maharashtra's Thane district

Thane: Residents in the vicinity of an industrial zone complained of eye irritation and breathing difficulties as a thick haze enveloped the area after a suspected gas leak from a factory in Maharashtra’s Thane district, an official said on Friday.

The situation is under control and there were no injuries or hospitalisations, said Yasin Tadvi, Chief of the Disaster Management Cell of the Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC).

Panic ensued after smog-like conditions prevailed in the Morivali MIDC area of Ambernath town, on the outskirts of Mumbai, around 11 pm on Thursday, the official said.

After receiving complaints about a burning sensation in the eyes and breathlessness, local firefighters investigated the source of the haze, which was traced to a chemical company. They also advised people to stay indoors as a precaution.

Officials said a phosphorous-based chemical at the factory caused a dense white smoke, which spread through the area.

The manufacturing activities at the company have been halted temporarily, the official added.