Posted on 08/27/2005 1:51:28 PM PDT by FairOpinion
Karnal (Haryana): Thirty people, including eleven women, three children and three policemen were hospitalised when they fell unconscious due to leakage of a chemical gas from a tanker near the Liberty crossing in Balri village of Karnal district in Haryana yesterday evening.
The tanker was coming from Mumbai, when the chemicals (liquid bromine) started leaking, and very soon, it was covered by red clouds formed by the chemicals. Various cases of eye irritation and falling unconsciousness were soon reported in the surrounding areas, and the sufferers had to be taken to local hospitals.
However, no case of death has been reported till now.
Earlier, the driver of the tanker fled from the spot when he came to know about the leakage. Fearing an explosion, the local police took charge of the matter and moved the leaking vehicle away from the road. In doing so, three policemen also fell victim to the poisonous chemical.
Bromine is a highly corrosive chemical, and generally, it is used to make insecticides. Its vapours are heavier than air and can burn the eyes, nose, mouth, throat and lungs. 1,2-dichloroethane and 1,2-dibromoethane are known to be carcinogenic meaning they cause cancer. 1,2-dibromoethane is also a reproductive and developmental toxin.
Update:
Tanker driver arrested for Karnal gas leak
http://www.hindustantimes.com/news/181_1472874,000900010006.htm
Police has arrested the driver of the tanker from which Bromine gas leaked on Thursday evening affecting 25 persons, near the Liberty Chowk on the outskirts of the town.
A senior district officer said on Friday that driver Hari Dutt had been arrested on the charge of leakage of gas due to accident and negligence. A case under various sections of the IPC had been registered in this connection.
He said that out of the 19 persons who were brought to the local Civil Hospital after they complained of nausea and breathlessness only four were under going treatment and were expected to be discharged by Friday evening.
The other 15 who were taken ill had been discharged last on Thursday itself, he said adding that the tanker transporting Bromine gas was going to Dera Bassi in Punjab.
I have a buddy that should be arrested on the charge of leakage of gas.
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