A suspected toxic gas leak in Dhanbad&rsquo;s Kenduadih area has triggered panic after two women died within 24 hours and several others were taken to hospital with breathing difficulties. The sudden deaths of Priyanka Devi on Wednesday evening and Lalita Devi on Thursday morning have fuelled fears of a hazardous chemical release in the densely populated locality.
Residents alleged that a &ldquo;poisonous gas&rdquo; engulfed parts of the neighbourhood late Wednesday, causing dizziness, nausea and breathlessness among many. At least a dozen people, including children, were rushed to nearby hospitals for treatment. Several locals staged protests on Thursday, demanding immediate action and transparency from authorities.
Officials, however, urged caution, stating that the exact cause of the deaths can be confirmed only after post-mortem examinations. &ldquo;We are investigating all possible angles,&rdquo; a senior district officer said, adding that multiple teams have been deployed to trace the source of any potential leak and assess environmental safety.
Emergency response teams have been conducting inspections in residential pockets, sewage lines and industrial units in the vicinity. With fear spreading and protests intensifying, authorities have assured that findings will be made public and necessary safety measures will be taken to prevent further incidents.

Two women dead, dozen hospitalised in Dhanbad; probe underway

Toxic Gas Leak Suspected in Jharkhand

Two women dead, dozen hospitalised in Dhanbad; probe underway

December 4, 2025 | 17:25 IST