By Ira Deshpande
On Wednesday afternoon, multiple employees were hurt in a gas leak at the Gujarat Fluorochemical Limited (GFL) facility in the Panchmahal district’s Ghoghamba taluka. The facility is well-known for producing R-22 refrigerant, which is frequently found in air conditioners.
According to early reports, at least 25 employees experienced symptoms following their exposure to the leak. Some reported eye irritation and breathing difficulties. Workers were transferred to two nearby private clinics and the sub-district hospital at Halol after ambulances were dispatched to the scene. Thirteen employees with more severe conditions were later sent to a private hospital in Vadodara for care.
One worker died during the chaos. Officials confirmed that he fell while trying to flee the premises when a pressurised pipeline burst. The loud sound created panic, and workers at first believed there had been a boiler explosion.
Panchmahal District Collector Ajay Dahiya clarified that there was no blast. He explained that the rupture of a pressurised pipeline inside the plant caused the leak of refrigerant gas. “The loud sound from the rupture was initially mistaken as an explosion,” he said. He added that the deceased worker had died from injuries sustained in the fall, while others were hospitalised after inhaling the gas.
Rescue crews moved swiftly. Fifteen ambulances in all were sent to the location. Haresh Dudhat, the district superintendent of police, arrived at the factory and supervised the emergency response. J. J. Patel, another District Collector, joined the operation and oversaw the workers’ evacuation. To ensure that the injured received prompt medical attention, both officers oversaw their transportation to various hospitals.
A post-mortem examination of the deceased employee has been ordered by the authorities. A thorough investigation into the accident has been initiated by the Directorate of Industrial Safety and Health. Officials will examine the factory’s safety procedures and determine whether any shortcomings led to the incident.
The GFL unit is among the largest chemical plants in Panchmahal. The accident has raised new concerns among local residents about worker safety. District officials have said the situation is now under control, but a detailed investigation will determine the next steps to prevent similar events.