Mumbai: Gas leak at pharma company in Govandi causes panic

MUMBAI: A gas leak was reported from U S Vitamin India Ltd, a pharmaceutical company in Govandi (east) on Saturday night, which caused panic in parts of the eastern suburbs, said fire brigade officials. Chief fire officer P S Rahangade confirmed the source of the gas leak, and at the time of going to press, the fire brigade had deployed fire engines to the spot and was investigating the leak.
The BMC disaster control room received several calls about a foul odour from parts of the city's eastern suburbs late on Saturday, and at first there was no confirmation on the source. The city fire brigade received complaints about a suspected gas leak from residents in Chembur, Ghatkopar, Kanjurmarh, Vikhroli and Powai.
Cabinet minister Aaditya Thackeray tweeted, "With regards to the foul odour across some parts of Mumbai, as of now the Mumbai Fire Brigade has been activated with its SoPs. I appeal to all to stay indoors, not panic. Close your windows. @mybmc is actively monitoring this situation."
Rahangdale said that residents should take precaution by using a wet towel or handkerchief if a case of serious gas inhalation is reported.
Mahanagar Gas Ltd officials said the smell had nothing to do with MGL. A senior official said, "MGL has been receiving complaints about a gas smell from various parts of Mumbai since 10pm. Our emergency teams went to the sites, and we are checking our pipeline systems, but have not come across any breach which could cause a gas leak."