Fifty-Nine Students Hospitalised Following Fumes Exposure from Tank in Ratnagiri District

Officials reported that 59 students and a woman were affected by fumes from a storage tank in Maharashtra's Ratnagiri district. The incident occurred on Thursday, with the tank located at JSW Energy's thermal power plant, according to police. However, the company denied any such event on their premises.

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The students impacted are from Jaigad Vidya Mandir school, situated near the plant. Out of 250 students present, 53 boys, six girls, and a woman were hospitalised. They experienced eye irritation, restlessness, and nausea due to fumes from the tank cleaning process.

Health Impact and Hospitalisation

A health official stated that three students are in the ICU but stable. They suffer more severe symptoms like restlessness, nausea, and stomach ache compared to others. All affected individuals are under observation and may be discharged by Friday afternoon after thorough medical checks.

The fumes originated from ethyl mercaptan, a colourless and flammable liquid with a strong odour. It is used as an odorant for natural gas and in producing plastics, insecticides, and antioxidants.

Company's Safety Assurance

JSW Energy emphasised their commitment to safety in a statement. "At JSW Energy, we prioritize the safety and well-being of our employees, the community, and the environment. We adhere to stringent safety protocols and continuously monitor our operations to ensure they meet the highest standards," they stated.

The company further assured that they take every precaution to prevent incidents affecting community health and safety. They reiterated their dedication to maintaining high safety standards in all operations.

The situation highlights the importance of safety measures in industrial operations near populated areas. Ensuring community health remains a priority for companies operating in such environments.