A journalist in Bhopal issued a grave warning, alerting the public about the perilous situation near a volcano’s edge. Raj Keswani shared a harrowing account in the city’s newspaper, Jansatta, following the tragic death of Ashraf Khan, an employee at the Union Carbide factory. Khan lost his life due to exposure to phosgene gas, a deadly chemical weapon from World War One, leaked at the facility.
Despite the journalist’s alarming message, the catastrophic prediction became a reality two years later with one of the most devastating industrial disasters in history unfolding at the factory. A malfunction at a US pesticide plant on a typical night led to the release of 40 tons of highly toxic methyl isocyanate gas into a densely populated area, resulting in the deaths of thousands.
The gas, known for causing chest pain, asthma, and skin damage even in small amounts, claimed the lives of 3,500 people instantly during the initial leak. The lethal effects included lung failure, kidney necrosis, and severe organ damage, leaving victims in excruciating pain. The gas, spreading like a dense fog over the city, disproportionately affected women and children due to their height, resulting in higher casualties among them.
Approximately 200,000 children and 3,000 pregnant women suffered from the aftermath, with many experiencing immediate miscarriages. The survivors and their families embarked on a 30-year-long quest for justice following the tragic Bhopal disaster that struck on December 3, 1984, at the Union Carbide factory.
Prior to the calamity, preceding incidents at the plant, caused by negligence and poor maintenance, had already harmed and killed workers. Despite warning signs and an imminent leak alert, plant managers delayed action, leading to the catastrophic gas release. The gas leakage, worsened by southeasterly winds, engulfed Bhopal, claiming numerous lives.
Furthermore, the inadequate medical response in the aftermath exacerbated the casualties, as local healthcare providers were unprepared for the scale of the disaster. The long-term repercussions of the gas exposure persisted, with ongoing health issues such as blindness, respiratory ailments, cancer, and spontaneous abortions affecting survivors to this day.
The aftermath saw legal battles and attempts to hold accountable those responsible for the disaster. The victims’ pursuit of justice persisted amidst global indifference towards the tragedy. Efforts to seek compensation and acknowledgment from the Union Carbide Corporation faced challenges, with the out-of-court settlement falling short of the estimated damages.
Decades later, survivors continue their fight for justice and compensation, as the legacy of the Bhopal disaster endures, claiming lives due to lingering health complications.