Bhopal Disaster

The Bhopal disaster was a catastrophic industrial accident that occurred on the night of December 2-3, 1984, in Bhopal, India. It is considered one of the most devastating environmental disasters in history, causing widespread death and injury to thousands of people. The disaster was triggered by a leak of methyl isocyanate gas from a Union Carbide pesticide plant, which was located in the heart of the city. The gas leak was caused by a combination of human error, design flaws, and inadequate safety measures. The immediate effects of the disaster were devastating. The gas cloud spread rapidly through the city, causing widespread panic and chaos. Thousands of people died instantly, while many more succumbed to gas-related injuries and illnesses in the following days and weeks. The exact number of deaths is still disputed, but estimates range from 3,700 to 16,000. The disaster also left hundreds of thousands of people injured, many of whom suffered from long-term health effects. The Bhopal disaster led to widespread outrage and calls for accountability, and it remains a powerful symbol of the need for greater corporate responsibility and environmental protection.