Palghar, March 2 -- Panic gripped the entire Tarapur MIDC area in Palghar district on Monday after an Oleum gas leak was reported at the Bhageria Chemical Company.

The impact of the leak is said to be so severe that residents living within a three to four-kilometre radius are experiencing symptoms such as eye irritation, coughing, and difficulty breathing.

The gas leak surfaced following a fire at the company, leading to chaos among workers and local citizens. As a precautionary measure, workers from neighbouring industrial units were evacuated, and the area was cleared. Additionally, the nearby MIDC residential colony has also been evacuated.

Police administration and fire department personnel are currently on-site. Authorities have i...