BOISAR, MAHARASHTRA: A tragic incident at a pharmaceutical factory in Boisar’s Tarapur Industrial Area claimed the lives of four workers and left two others in critical condition on Thursday. The accident occurred when a sudden gas leak was reported at the Medley Pharmaceuticals Limited facility, raising serious concerns about industrial safety and emergency preparedness in the region.
According to reports, a total of six workers were affected by the toxic gas release. Among them, Kalpesh Raut, Bengali Thakur, Dheeraj Prajapati, and Kamlesh Yadav succumbed to their injuries at the scene or shortly after being rushed to nearby medical facilities. Two others, Rohan Shinde and Nilesh Hadal, were admitted to a hospital in serious condition and are currently receiving intensive medical care. Authorities have confirmed that their conditions remain critical, and doctors are monitoring them closely for any signs of improvement.
The incident occurred in the early hours of Thursday at Medley Pharmaceuticals, a facility located in the Tarapur MIDC industrial zone, which houses several chemical and pharmaceutical manufacturing units. The factory management immediately raised the alarm, prompting local authorities and emergency services to respond. Fire and rescue teams, along with paramedics, were deployed to the site to control the situation and provide immediate medical assistance to the affected workers.
Preliminary investigations suggest that the leak originated from a storage area containing chemical compounds used in the pharmaceutical manufacturing process. While the exact cause of the gas release is yet to be determined, officials are exploring possibilities such as equipment malfunction, human error, or improper handling of chemicals. Safety inspectors have visited the site to examine adherence to industrial safety norms, and the factory has been temporarily shut down pending further investigation.
Local authorities have appealed for calm among nearby residents and emphasized that there is no immediate risk to the surrounding community. “The affected area has been cordoned off, and all necessary precautions have been taken to prevent the spread of hazardous gas. Our focus is on attending to the injured and investigating the cause of the incident,” said a senior official from the Maharashtra Disaster Management Authority.
Family members of the deceased workers have expressed deep shock and grief over the incident. Many of them described the victims as hardworking individuals who were supporting their families. Local labor representatives and community leaders have called for strict accountability from the factory management, demanding that safety protocols be reviewed and that compensation be provided to the families of the victims.
This incident raises broader concerns about industrial safety in Maharashtra’s MIDC zones, which house numerous chemical and pharmaceutical manufacturing facilities. Despite regulations mandating strict safety measures, accidents continue to occur, often with devastating consequences. Experts have stressed the need for stringent monitoring, regular safety audits, and effective training programs for workers handling hazardous substances.
Maharashtra’s Chief Minister expressed condolences to the families of the deceased and assured that a thorough investigation will be conducted. Authorities have confirmed that legal action will be taken against those found responsible for lapses in safety measures, including potential violations of the Factories Act and environmental regulations.
The Medley Pharmaceuticals gas leak incident serves as a stark reminder of the risks inherent in industrial operations involving chemicals. While industrial growth is vital for economic development, experts emphasize that worker safety and emergency preparedness must remain top priorities.
As investigations continue, the focus remains on providing medical care for the injured workers, determining the exact cause of the leak, and preventing similar tragedies in the future. Local authorities have also indicated plans to conduct safety awareness programs for employees across industrial zones to minimize the risk of such accidents.
