23. Accidental Release of Methyl Isocyanate Gas in Bhopal, India, 1984: 3,787 Casualties, 558,125 Wounded
Union Carbide had a chemical plant in Bhopal, a city in central India, produced chemicals that escaped into a toxic gas cloud when a valve at the plant exploded. Methyl isocyanate gas spewed out across the city and poisoned the population. Entire families died immediately, and over half a million people were injured. Absolute panic and chaos ensued.
Three workers at the plant were arrested on chemical charges related to the explosion, and Union Carbide – now a subsidiary of Dow Chemical – gave a large payout to the Indian government to compensate the victims. However, victims’ rights groups believe that the payout was a paltry sum compared to the damage caused, and they are still fighting for justice.
