The Bhopal disaster is one of the world's worst industrial tragedies, which occurred on December 2–3, 1984, in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, India.
It involved the release of a highly toxic gas, methyl isocyanate (MIC), from the Union Carbide India Limited (UCIL) pesticide plant.
Around midnight, water entered a MIC storage tank, triggering an uncontrollable chemical reaction. The reaction produced heat, increasing the tank's pressure, which released approximately 40 tons of MIC gas.
The gas spread quickly over densely populated areas near the plant. The toxic cloud affected thousands, causing serious respiratory issues, eye irritation, chemical burns, and other health problems.
The official death toll within the first days is estimated to be anywhere from 3,000 to 8,000. Subsequent estimations indicate that more than 20,000 individuals might have succumbed to long-term health issues.
The Bhopal disaster remains a stark reminder of the severe human and environmental costs associated with industrial carelessness.
Even after many years, survivors continue fighting for justice, improved healthcare, and environmental cleanup.