Navi Mumbai Cold Storage Gas Leak: Navi Mumbai, June 15, 2025
Toxic Fumes Inside Cold Storage Facility Send 26 Workers to Hospital
In a shocking incident highlighting workplace safety lapses, 26 workers at Swasthya Agro Enterprises, a cold storage facility in Turbhe MIDC, were hospitalized on Friday afternoon after inhaling toxic fumes from a generator kept inside an enclosed space. The police have since booked the company’s owner for negligence, as the workers—including 17 women—suffered severe breathlessness and required urgent medical attention.
The incident occurred when a sudden power outage forced the management to switch on a diesel generator inside the facility. Instead of placing the generator in an open or ventilated area, it was kept indoors, leading to a rapid buildup of carbon monoxide and other hazardous fumes. Within minutes, workers began experiencing dizziness, nausea, and breathing difficulties.
Emergency Response: Critical Cases Shifted to MGM Hospital
Local authorities and emergency medical teams rushed to the scene, transporting all affected workers to nearby hospitals. Four of the victims, who were in critical condition, were admitted to MGM Hospital in Vashi for intensive care. The remaining workers received preliminary treatment and were later discharged.
Doctors confirmed that the workers had suffered carbon monoxide poisoning, a potentially fatal condition caused by inhaling exhaust fumes in a poorly ventilated space. “Early symptoms include headache, dizziness, and confusion, but prolonged exposure can lead to loss of consciousness and even death,” said a medical officer at the hospital.
Police Investigation Reveals Gross Negligence
The Turbhe MIDC police conducted an immediate inspection of the cold storage unit and found glaring safety violations. Senior Police Inspector Abasaheb Patil stated, “The company stored packed fruits, requiring continuous air conditioning. When the power failed, they used a generator but made the fatal mistake of keeping it indoors. Generators must always be placed in open, well-ventilated areas to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.”
Police have registered a case under Section 304A (causing death by negligence) and Section 338 (causing grievous hurt by act endangering life or personal safety of others) of the Indian Penal Code against the owner of Swasthya Agro Enterprises. Further investigations are underway to determine whether the company had violated additional workplace safety norms under the Factories Act, 1948, and Occupational Safety, Health, and Working Conditions Code, 2020.
Workers’ Plight: Lack of Safety Measures Exposed
Eyewitnesses and employees revealed that the cold storage unit had no proper ventilation system or emergency protocols in place. “We were working when suddenly the air became thick with smoke. Within minutes, people started collapsing. There were no exhaust fans or alarms to warn us,” said one of the workers, still recovering from the ordeal.
Labour rights activists have condemned the incident, calling it a result of corporate negligence and weak enforcement of industrial safety laws. “This is not an isolated case. Many small and medium enterprises compromise on worker safety to cut costs. The government must conduct surprise inspections and impose stricter penalties on violators,” said Sunil Mishra, a member of the Navi Mumbai Workers’ Union.
Authorities Vow Strict Action, Demand Compliance
The Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC) and the Labour Department have initiated a separate probe into the incident. A senior MIDC official stated that the company could face suspension of its operating license if found guilty of repeated safety violations.
Meanwhile, the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) has announced a special safety audit of all cold storage units and factories in the region. “We will not tolerate negligence that puts workers’ lives at risk. Strict action will be taken against any facility failing to comply with safety norms,” said Municipal Commissioner Rajesh Narvekar.
Preventing Future Tragedies: Experts Weigh In
Industrial safety experts emphasize that such incidents are entirely preventable with basic precautions:
- Generators must never be operated indoors—they should be placed in open spaces or equipped with exhaust systems.
- Proper ventilation and carbon monoxide detectors should be mandatory in enclosed workspaces.
- Emergency response training must be provided to all employees.
- Regular safety audits by government agencies to ensure compliance.
“Carbon monoxide is a silent killer—it’s odourless and invisible. Companies must invest in safety infrastructure rather than waiting for tragedies to happen,” said Dr. Anil Sharma, an occupational health specialist.
Victims Demand Justice, Compensation
As the investigation progresses, the affected workers and their families are demanding justice and compensation. “We risk our lives every day working in such conditions. The owner must be punished, and proper compensation should be given to all victims,” said a relative of one of the hospitalized workers.
Legal experts suggest that the workers may also file a civil lawsuit against the company for damages, apart from the ongoing criminal case.
Conclusion: A Wake-Up Call for Industrial Safety
The Turbhe cold storage gas leak serves as yet another grim reminder of the consequences of neglecting workplace safety. While authorities take action against the responsible parties, the incident underscores the urgent need for stricter enforcement of industrial safety laws and greater accountability from business owners.
As the victims recover, the hope is that this tragedy will lead to systemic changes—ensuring that no worker has to suffer due to preventable negligence.
Key Takeaways:
- 26 workers hospitalized after inhaling toxic fumes from an indoor generator at a Navi Mumbai cold storage unit.
- Four in critical condition; others discharged after treatment.
- Owner booked for negligence under IPC Sections 304A and 338.
- Police and MIDC investigating safety violations; license suspension possible.
- Activists demand stricter safety audits and compensation for victims.
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