Chlorine leak triggers panic at Bhiwandi plant: 5 workers hospitalized; area cordoned off

THANE: Panic gripped Bhiwandi late Monday night after a sudden chlorine gas leak at the STEM Water Distribution plant sent five workers to the hospital with severe breathing problems. The incident unfolded around 12.30am when a valve on the plant’s chlorine pipeline, crucial for water purification, began leaking toxic gas.Sources said the workers rushed to shut the valve but were immediately overwhelmed by the fumes, coughing violently and struggling to breathe. Emergency calls prompted police to rush the affected employees to a private hospital, where they are being treated for chlorine inhalation.Authorities cordoned off the area as a precaution, warning nearby residents to stay indoors until the situation was contained. Officials have launched an investigation into the cause of the leak, with initial reports suggesting a possible valve malfunction.