As many as 40 people were hospitalised after a chlorine gas leak at a water purification plant in Nagpur district early Monday, with plant workers and nearby residents reporting breathing difficulties.

Officials said the leak began around 1 am from a 900-kg chlorine gas cylinder at the Godhani Nagar Panchayat’s water treatment plant near Fago Patil Layout and Nag Mandir Tekdi. As the gas spread to nearby residential areas, several people reported coughing and breathing difficulties.

Around 8-10 plant employees and 20-25 residents were affected after the leak. The police said 40 people are being treated at Sparsh Hospital and Mayo Hospital.

Story continues below this ad

The police, fire brigade, and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams reached the spot and began rescue and neutralisation operations. NDRF personnel entered the facility wearing protective suits to neutralise the leaked gas.

At around 5.30 am, after the leak subsided, the chlorine cylinder was placed in a tank containing water mixed with caustic soda, with the assistance of NDRF, the fire brigade, and Orange City Waterworks personnel.

As a precaution, the police have advised residents to stay at least 200 metres away from the plant until 11 am.

Authorities said the situation is currently under control.