Pune Gas Leak: 24 Injured at Gangadham Chowk Chemical Plant
Reported by Mubarak Ansari
Bibvewadi, 30th April 2026: Around midnight yesterday, a massive gas leak from a storage tank at a chemical company near Aaimata Temple at Gangadham Chowk triggered widespread panic and left 24 people injured. The swift and courageous intervention by the Pune Fire Brigade successfully averted what could have been a catastrophic disaster.
The sudden leakage of hazardous gas caused severe breathing difficulties among residents in the immediate vicinity. Initially, 17 citizens reported acute respiratory distress due to the toxic fumes. Fourteen of them were promptly rushed to nearby hospitals for immediate medical attention using the ‘108’ government ambulance service. Updated reports have since confirmed that the total number of injured individuals has risen to 24.
The rescue efforts also took a toll on the first responders. One fire brigade officer and one firefighter had to be admitted to the hospital for treatment after being exposed to the hazardous gas during the evacuation process.
Upon receiving the emergency alert, the fire department immediately dispatched four fire engines to the scene, including a specialized Breathing Apparatus (BA) set vehicle. Recognizing the severe toxicity of the environment, firefighters donned the BA sets to safely navigate the hot zone, assist gasping citizens, and plug the source of the leak.
The extensive rescue and containment operation was carried out under the direct guidance of Chief Fire Officer Devendra Potphode. A dedicated team comprising five fire officers and approximately 30 firefighters worked tirelessly through the night to secure the area, ultimately bringing the situation under control and preventing further loss of life.
Further details awaited.
