3 killed in chemical gasleak in Beawar district

Ajmer: A chemical gas leak at a factory on Balad Road in Beawar district has claimed three lives and many left in critical condition. Beawar district collector Mahendra Khadgawat, who ordered an inquiry into the incident, said that it was a nitric acid leak from what appeared to be an illegal factory.

The incident occurred Monday night when a tanker was emptying the chemical into the factory storage tank, police said. The gas from the nitric acid leaked and spread rapidly, affecting residents and workers within a 200m radius.

Sunil Singhal (53), the factory owner, was the first to succumb at around 1am on Tuesday at JLN Hospital in Ajmer. Two others — Dayaram (45), a factory worker, and Narendra Kumar (40), a DJ at a nearby religious function — also died later.

Lucky Kumar (17), the son of the deceased DJ, was among others in critical condition. Two others, Babulal and Laxmi Devi, are in intensive care.

According to police, the leak occurred when someone opened the tanker's lid to check the gas level. The toxic fumes quickly spread, affecting residents and animals in the vicinity. By Tuesday morning, 64 people had sought treatment at a Beawar hospital, with six critical cases being referred to JLN Hospital in Ajmer.

Hospital superintendent Dr Arvind Khare said additional beds have been readied for any further cases. Ajmer district collector Lok Bandhu said specialist doctors were attending to the emergency cases.

Beawar city police station ASI Umrao Singh said, "The ongoing investigation has initially found that the factory produces chemicals for manufacturing batteries."

The tragedy sparked protests at the hospital, with villagers demanding compensation for the victims' families. The incident raised serious questions about industrial safety standards and unauthorised chemical facilities in residential areas.

Meanwhile, local authorities continue to monitor the situation. A committee has been formed to investigate the matter. Authorities are also checking for other unauthorised factories in the area.