Fume Exposure Affects Students Near JSW Plant

Over 30 students from Jaigad Vidya Mandir in Ratnagiri experienced discomfort after being exposed to Ethyl mercaptan fumes during a tank cleaning at JSW Energy's plant. The incident left students with watery eyes and irritation, with some requiring hospital treatment. JSW declined to comment on the situation.

More than 30 students were adversely affected by fumes released during a tank cleaning operation at JSW Energy's thermal power plant located in Maharashtra's coastal district of Ratnagiri on Thursday, according to police sources.

The affected students, from Jaigad Vidya Mandir school positioned near the plant, experienced symptoms such as watery eyes and irritation, as reported by a police official to PTI. The total student count in the school is approximately 250, out of which several felt unwell due to the fumes.

The hazardous fumes originated from Ethyl mercaptan, a colorless and highly odorous liquid utilized in various industrial applications. During the event, some students were transported to a local hospital for medical attention. Efforts to contact JSW for a comment went unanswered.

(With inputs from agencies.)