A fire at a private sago factory near Attur in Tamil Nadu triggered a toxic gas leak after flames reached stored chlorine powder. Twelve people were hospitalised with breathing difficulties, while firefighters took nearly three hours to control the fire and contain the leak.
Short Circuit Triggers Fire at Sago Factory
The incident occurred at a privately owned sago and starch production unit near Attur in Salem district. The factory is reportedly owned by Dharmalingam, a resident of Sadasivam village near Thalaivasal. Around 11 workers were inside the premises when a suspected electrical short circuit started a fire.
The flames initially spread to gunny bags stored inside the factory before reaching stacks of sago sacks. As the fire intensified, it moved towards nearly 15 sacks containing chlorine powder kept nearby. The presence of combustible materials allowed the blaze to spread rapidly, placing workers and nearby residents at serious risk.
Water on Chlorine Powder Releases Toxic Gas
Workers reportedly attempted to control the fire by pouring water over the burning materials. However, when water came into contact with the chlorine powder, a chemical reaction occurred and released toxic gas into the factory. The gas mixed with heavy smoke from the fire, creating dangerous conditions inside and around the unit.
Several workers experienced breathing difficulties, irritation and respiratory distress after inhaling the fumes. Six people reportedly fainted at the scene, while others complained of discomfort caused by the toxic exposure. A total of 12 affected individuals were taken to a private hospital in Attur for treatment. Their immediate health conditions were not officially detailed in the initial reports.
Firefighters Battle Blaze for Nearly Three Hours
Fire and rescue service personnel rushed to the factory after receiving information about the incident. Teams worked for nearly three hours to bring the fire under control and stop the continuing gas leak. Managing the situation was particularly difficult because the chlorine powder created an additional chemical hazard beyond the original fire.
The response teams focused on containing the affected area, controlling the flames and preventing the toxic gas from spreading further. The incident has raised concerns about the storage of hazardous chemicals inside industrial units and whether workers had adequate training to respond safely to chemical fires.
Police and Revenue Officials Begin Investigation
Revenue officials led by Attur Revenue Divisional Officer Tamilmani have started an inquiry into the accident. Attur rural police have also launched a separate investigation to establish the exact cause of the short circuit, examine the factory’s safety arrangements and determine whether chlorine powder was stored according to prescribed regulations.
Authorities are expected to review the unit’s electrical systems, fire-safety equipment, chemical-storage practices and emergency-response procedures. The investigation may also examine whether workers were provided with protective equipment and proper guidance for handling industrial chemicals.
The Salem sago factory gas leak highlights the severe risks created when fires involve reactive substances such as chlorine powder. While the emergency teams prevented the situation from escalating further, the hospitalisation of 12 people underlines the need for stricter industrial safety checks, safer chemical storage and regular emergency training for factory workers.
