Vasai gas leak: VVMC forms inquiry committee after death of 59-year-old

VASAI: The VVCMC has formed an inquiry committee to investigate the lapses in last week's Chlorine Gas leak in Vasai west, which killed a 59-year-old man. This committee is headed by Dr. Dipak Sawant (Additional Municipal Commissioner), City Engineer Pradeep Pachange, Medical Officer of Health Bhakti Choudhary, one assistant municipal commissioner (AMC) and an industry expert.

This team will investigate the entire episode of the chlorine gas leak and the presence of the chlorine gas cylinder. The vvcmc had confirmed that the November 25 gas leak occurred from a chlorine gas cylinder which was kept in the Diwanman (Vasai west) water tank premises since the Municipal Council days.

Sources have confirmed that there is no data of this gas cylinder and other such cylinders in the vvcmc, which automatically became part of the vvcmc when it was formed in July 2009, after municipal councils and villages were merged to form a municipal corporation. The vvcmc has also confirmed that this accident occurred when 5 labourers and one valveman were repairing the outlet of the water tank, when this chlorine gas cylinder accidently got pushed and after falling its valve broke-off, leading to gas leak. 18, including 6 vvcmc staff, were admitted to various hospitals in Vasai after they complained of vomiting and dizziness, while one 59 year old Dev Pardiwala died allegedly due to the gas leak.

Currently there is no FIR filed in this case. Cops at the Manikpur police station (vasai west) said that as of now we have filed an Accidental Death Report (ADR) regarding the death of the 59yr old person. He also confirmed that they have written to the vvcmc asking them details about this incident post which they will proceed with further investigations.


Dr. Dipak Sawant did not respond to calls and messages.