Chemical leak at Bhilai unit engulfs area in thick smoke

Raipur: A pipe burst during pitch oil loading at a hydrocarbon unit in Bhilai on Tuesday evening sent a dense cloud of fumes across the industrial area, leaving people struggling to breathe. The discharge continued for nearly 45 minutes, and with no immediate siren or emergency alert, the smoke spread unchecked.The incident took place at a private factory in the Hathkhoj industrial belt, where hot chemical material spilled onto the ground after the pipeline ruptured. Speaking to TOI, Durg SP Vijay Agrawal said, "It was a narrow escape for people. There was gas leakage from a discharge pipe. Coal tar and hydrocarbon products leaked for about 45 minutes. "According to locals, the mishap occurred between 4.30 pm and 5 pm during loading operations. Workers at the unit allegedly tried to contain the spread of the chemical by creating a sand barrier around it, but the smoke could not be controlled.Residents and neighbouring factory operators claimed no siren was sounded after the incident and that the fire brigade was not informed immediately. They said emergency teams reached the spot only after 9 pm, by which time smoke had already spread through the industrial area.A factory owner near the unit, said his night-shift workers had to abandon work and leave as the smoke caused severe coughing and breathing distress. Some local residents also reported vomiting among children after the smoke spread in the area.District fire officer Nagendra Singh, who visited the site, said the factory management told officials the material involved was pitch oil, used in ink manufacturing. He said the company's stand was that no fire had broken out, and therefore it did not call the fire brigade. Officials said a detailed inquiry is underway into industrial safety compliance and emergency response. Action will be taken after the investigation.