Surat: At least four persons were hospitalized after a gas leak at a pharmaceutical unit in Sarigam GIDC in Valsad district on Friday. Officials said all those affected are out of danger and recovering.Preliminary investigations revealed that the incident occurred after liquid leaked from one of the reactors at Sainex Met Chem Pharma. Officials said evaporation of the leaked liquid led to the formation of gas, triggering eye irritation among those present on the premises. Among those who fell ill was Vinod Patel, the owner of the unit. To prevent the gas from affecting others in the surrounding area, police temporarily closed the road adjoining the industrial unit. Fire teams were rushed to the spot and initiated rescue and restoration operations to control the situation.The Gujarat Pollution Control Board (GPCB) has launched an inquiry into the incident and will submit a report based on its findings.Authorities cordoned off the area around the factory and controlled the leak by using sand and sodium bicarbonate.The exact nature of the gas formed following the leak is yet to be identified.
