The Bhopal Gas Tragedy
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ICMR HOME | Case Studies Collection
Case Details:
Case Code : BECG009
Case Length : 09 Pages
Period : 1980-2001
Pub. Date : 2002
Teaching Note : Available
Organization : Union Carbide India Limited
Industry : Chemicals
Countries : India
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Please note:
This case study was compiled from published sources, and is intended to be used as a basis for class discussion. It is not intended to illustrate either effective or ineffective handling of a management situation. Nor is it a primary information source.
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“The numerous safety systems with which this type of plant
is equipped enable us to control any of the MIC's potentially dangerous
reactions.”
- A Union Carbide official commenting on the safety
systems in the Bhopal pesticide plant.
“It's not a deadly gas, just irritating, a sort of tear
gas.”
- Dr Loya, Union Carbide's official doctor in Bhopal,
commenting on Methyl Isocyanate, after the tragedy.
Introduction
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In the early morning hours of December 3, 1984, a poisonous
grey cloud (forty tons of toxic gases) from Union Carbide India Limited (UCIL's)1
pesticide plant at Bhopal spread throughout the city. Water carrying catalytic
material had entered Methyl Isocyanate (MIC) storage tank No. 610. What followed
was a nightmare.
The killer gas spread through the city, sending residents
scurrying through the dark streets. No alarm ever sounded a warning and no
evacuation plan was prepared. When victims arrived at hospitals breathless and
blind, doctors did not know how to treat them, as UCIL had not provided
emergency information.
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It was only when the sun rose the next morning that the
magnitude of the devastation was clear. Dead bodies of humans and animals
blocked the streets, leaves turned black, the smell of burning chilli peppers
lingered in the air.
Estimates suggested that as many as 10,000 may have died immediately and 30,000
to 50,000 were too ill to ever return to their jobs.
The Bhopal Gas Tragedy
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