Overview

• The leak began around 12:15 a.m. at the STEM Authority facility in Temghar, Bhiwandi, which supplies treated water to Bhiwandi, Thane and Mira-Bhayandar.
• Five employees were hospitalized with breathing difficulties; four were discharged after first aid and one remains in the ICU.
• Police said a pipeline connected to a chlorine cylinder ruptured during replacement and the plant’s automatic safety system reportedly failed.
• An operator initially fled after failing to control the leak, and a second operator wearing protective gear entered the plant and shut it off.
• Fire brigade, disaster management teams, municipal officials and police cordoned the site, briefly evacuated nearby areas and brought the situation under control after residents reported respiratory discomfort.