Toxic gas leak in Belgharia chemical factory kills 2 workers, 1 critical

A gas leak at a chemical factory in the Shalpata Bagan area of Belgharia, North 24 Parganas, resulted in the death of two workers and left another critically injured on Friday night. The incident occurred when the workers were instructed to clean an old chemical drum, during which toxic gas escaped.

The deceased workers were identified as 60-year-old Robin Aich and 55-year-old Surjit Maity. A third worker, Govind Nandi, fell seriously ill and was immediately taken to Sagar Dutta Medical College and Hospital in Kamarhati for treatment. All three were on duty at the time of the incident and were engaged in cleaning the drum as per instructions from the factory management.

According to Barrackpore Police Commissionerate's Deputy Commissioner (South), Anupam Singh, “Preliminary investigation suggests that when the old chemical was being disposed of from the drum, toxic gas was released and entered the respiratory tract of the workers. Two died, and one is in critical condition.”

Following the leak, panic spread across the factory and surrounding areas. Police units arrived on site and sealed the factory premises. A team from the fire services department was also deployed at the location as a safety measure. The situation was brought under control by late night, and rescue operations continued with police and administrative presence.

Kamarhati Municipality Chairman Gopal Saha stated, “The police are investigating the incident. Alongside, the municipality will examine whether the factory possessed the required licenses and legal clearances for its operations.”