BREAKING: Gas Leak Panic Near Sarkhej: Pungent Fumes Cause Burning Eyes and Breathing Trouble in Ahmedabad

AHMEDABAD — Panic gripped the Fatehwadi area along the Sarkhej-Dholka Road on Friday evening following a suspected chlorine gas leak that left local residents struggling to breathe. Severe eye irritation and persistent coughing caused by the pungent chemical fumes forced frightened families to flee their homes and spill onto the streets.

The incident occurred just past the Sarkhej railway station, where an overpowering odour swept through residential pockets in Fatehwadi. As scores of residents complained of watery eyes and acute respiratory distress, frantic emergency calls alerted municipal authorities, bringing fire engines, police units, and medical teams to the scene.

Emergency Teams Rush to Fatehwadi to Contain Chemical Crisis

Upon receiving emergency calls from distressed locals, the Ahmedabad Fire and Emergency Services (AFES) dispatched six fire tenders alongside a specialized hazardous material containment team to the site. A squad of 108 emergency ambulances and local police personnel accompanied the fire crews to assist with medical triage and crowd control.

Key emergency response measures executed at the scene:

• Medical Assistance: Ambulances stationed at strategic points provided immediate oxygen support and first aid to residents suffering from breathing difficulties and severe eye irritation.
• Source Identification: Firefighters equipped with chemical detection kits launched an intensive search operation across the area to pinpoint the exact origin of the toxic fumes.
• Police Cordon: Local police sealed off the affected zone and diverted traffic along the Sarkhej-Dholka Road to prevent public congestion and facilitate unhindered movement for emergency vehicles.

Search Underway for Cylinder Leak or Scrap Yard Source

Chlorine gas is commonly utilised in water treatment plants, industrial units, and chemical processing facilities. AFES officials and chemical specialists are investigating whether the gas escaped from an old, discarded cylinder during scrap cutting, a faulty valve at an unauthorized local processing unit, or a transit vehicle passing along the main road.

Authorities confirmed that containment operations remain underway, while medical teams continue monitoring residents on-site to ensure public safety.