Panic gripped residents of Aiginia in Bhubaneswar after an ammonia gas leak was reported at a potato cold storage facility in the early hours of Wednesday (February 26, 2026).
The leakage reportedly began around 01:00 am near the refill section of the warehouse. Soon after, a strong pungent odour spread across the locality, causing irritation in the eyes and nose and leading to breathing discomfort among residents living nearby.
Upon receiving information, Fire Services personnel rushed to the site and identified the source of the leak. Two fire teams were initially deployed to contain the situation. The operation continued for nearly four hours, during which repair work was carried out to stop the gas emission. Police teams also reached the location promptly and assisted in evacuating workers from inside the storage facility as a precautionary measure.
According to local accounts, some residents initially mistook the situation for a fire around 12:45 am. Fire brigades sprayed water in an attempt to control the situation, and additional units were deployed to ensure the leak was fully contained. Senior police officials, including the SP, supervised the evacuation and security arrangements at the site.
While the odour significantly subsided in surrounding areas after the repair work, it reportedly remained strong within the storage premises. Authorities restricted entry to the facility to prevent further risk.
As a precaution, police and fire officials advised residents to keep doors and windows shut to minimise exposure. Public announcements were made urging people to avoid gathering near the site and to wear masks if passing through the affected area. Shops in the locality remained closed as residents exercised caution.
