KOZHIKODE: The carelessness of a lab assistant at JDT Islam Arts and Science College, Vellimadukunnu, caused panic in the area at noon on Saturday as columns of fumes and smoke came out of the main chemical lab building when a bottle of phenyl chloride fell on the floor and broke.
As the all-India medical entrance test was on in a nearby building, there were many parents waiting for their wards on the premises who got panicky and gathered at the spot.
Though the fire and rescue teams dashed to the spot, they failed to take any steps due to lack of ventilation and accessibility. The traditional method of using water guns could not be applied as the lab had countless chemical substances, including acids.
The fire and rescue officials found that the ventilation of the laboratory was inadequate to release the obnoxious gases and fumes generated in the lab.
“The entire ventilators of the laboratory were closed and fixed,” said P. Sunil, station in-charge of the fire station. “The FR personnel entered the laboratory aided by self-contained breathing apparatus with oxygen cylinders and forced open all ventilators,” he added.
“The authorities had kept many shelves and tables covering the ventilators which prevented them from opening it while the laboratory was functioning,” he pointed out.
