A chlorine gas leak from an old, rusted cylinder at a non-functional sewage treatment plant (STP) within the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Mumbai campus in Powai resulted in minor injuries to three Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) security guards and three Mumbai Fire Brigade personnel. The incident occurred around 11 pm on Saturday, and the leak was successfully neutralized by early Sunday morning.
Sequence of Events
The security guards, stationed at the adjoining Bhandup Water Treatment Complex, were the first to detect the pungent odor of chlorine. They proceeded to investigate the source and sustained injuries in the process. Upon receiving the alert, a Mumbai Fire Brigade team, accompanied by a HAZMAT (Hazardous Materials) vehicle, rushed to the scene. The fire personnel, equipped with breathing apparatus, initially attempted to seal the leak using specialized sealants. However, due to the severely corroded state of the 400 kg cylinder, this approach proved ineffective. Subsequently, the team neutralized the gas by applying caustic soda and directing it into accumulated water.
Injuries and Medical Response
The three firefighters experienced suffocation and were treated at a nearby hospital, where they were kept under observation before being discharged. The three BMC security guards also received medical treatment and were released. All six individuals sustained only minor injuries and are reported to be in stable condition.
Official Statements
A BMC official explained the challenges faced during the operation: “The cylinder was located in a ground-floor structure within the IIM compound. The Bhandup Water Treatment Complex has a gate on the Powai side adjacent to the IIM campus. The security guards were the first to smell the leak and went to check. The fire brigade was informed around 11 pm. Upon arrival, they had difficulty identifying the exact location and source due to the plant being non-functional, which caused some delay.”
A fire brigade official added, “Our HAZMAT vehicle was deployed. Firefighters in BA sets initially tried to stop the chlorine leakage with sealants, but the cylinder’s rusted condition prevented that. We then neutralized the gas using caustic soda in accumulated water.”
IIM Mumbai Response
IIM Mumbai’s Director, Manoj Tiwari, characterized the event as a minor incident that was swiftly contained with the assistance of the Mumbai Fire Brigade. He confirmed that an old, abandoned STP plant on campus housed a chlorine gas cylinder that had been there for 10-12 years. “We were informed about the leak late at night, but timely action was taken and it was contained. We have taken all necessary precautions as per the fire brigade’s instructions,” Tiwari stated.
