SCB Chlorine gas leakage: Inquiry report submitted to Govt

Cuttack: The district administration today submitted probe report of Chlorine gas leakage incident on SCB Medical College premises and suggested measures to avert such mishaps in future.

Cuttack Collector Sushant Mohapatra said the government will examine the findings and take action accordingly against those who are responsible for such an incident. “The joint inquiry committee headed by ADM Raghuram Iyer had conducted the investigation. The report was submitted to Housing and Urban Development Department today. The report suggests some measures to avoid such incidents in future,” Mohapatra said.

The probe team comprised of officials from public health division, additional director of Factories & Boilers Directorate and SCB superintendent.

Around 40 people including students, patients’ attendants and staff were taken ill after coming in contact with the poisonous gas which leaked from an old cylinder from inside the pump house on SCB premises on November 29.

Sources said some old cylinders were kept inside the pump house for purifying pumped water. One cylinder, which reportedly got rusted, suddenly leaked thereby spreading panic on the hospital campus.

The affected people complained of burning and itching sensation in nostrils and eyes besides chest pain. They were admitted to Pulmonary Medicine Ward.