Photo: Express
Ahmedabad: A toxic gas leak at the Gujarat Fluoro Chemical Company (GFL) in Ranjitnagar, Ghoghamba taluka of Panchmahal district, Gujarat, resulted in one death and left 12 workers hospitalised.
Early reports of a possible “boiler blast” caused panic, but officials later clarified that there had been no explosion — only a sudden leak of hazardous gas.
The incident occurred around 12:00 to 12:30 pm when R-32 gas, a refrigerant commonly used in air conditioners, escaped from a pipeline inside the plant. Soon after, several workers began experiencing nausea, dizziness, and vomiting.
The company’s medical team immediately provided antidotes and rushed the affected workers to hospitals in Halol. Five of the more critical cases were later shifted to Vadodara for advanced treatment. Despite prompt intervention, one worker died due to the gas exposure, TNIE reported.
District Superintendent of Police Haresh Dudhat, who rushed to the site to inspect the plant, dispelled rumours of a boiler explosion. “There was no explosion, as some messages are claiming. The incident was caused by an R-32 gas leak from a pipeline. This gas, commonly used in air conditioners, led to nausea and vomiting among some workers,” SP Dudhat said. He confirmed that 12 workers were hospitalised, with one fatality reported so far.
“The affected workers were first treated at the company’s occupational health centre, where they were given an antidote, and then immediately referred to hospitals in Halol,” he added. Praising the company’s swift response, SP Dudhat noted that sprinklers and emergency procedures were activated promptly, bringing the leakage under control. “We are standing here without masks to assure the public there is no danger now, and no need to panic,” he emphasised.
Company officials confirmed the details of the incident. According to Anil Vijay Killari, the Deputy Unit Head at GFL, the gas leak lasted only around 15 to 20 seconds but still affected 10 to 12 workers. He added that the company’s safety and environmental teams are currently investigating the exact cause of the leak.
As a precautionary step, the entire plant has been shut down, and nearby villagers were alerted immediately. Killari also noted that many locals came forward to assist during the emergency.
Local police and health department officials quickly reached the site after the incident was reported. Residents living near the plant were evacuated as a safety measure. Authorities are now waiting for the medical report to determine the precise cause of the worker’s death.
SP Dudhat stated that a detailed investigation is underway to find out how the R-32 gas escaped the pipeline and to implement measures to prevent similar accidents in the future.
The incident has renewed concerns over industrial safety standards in Gujarat, particularly in factories handling hazardous chemicals, and has sparked discussions about the need for stronger preventive measures and faster emergency response systems.