Just after midnight on December 3, 1984, a deadly cloud of gas escaped from a Union Carbide pesticide plant in central India, killing thousands and injuring hundreds of thousands more in what became one of the world’s worst industrial disasters.

The leak of methyl isocyanate, a highly toxic chemical, spread quickly through the densely populated neighborhoods surrounding the plant. Residents awoke choking, blinded, and gasping for air. Many died before they could flee.

By morning, the city was overwhelmed. Hospitals filled beyond capacity, and confusion reigned as authorities struggled to understand what had happened. Estimates of the death toll range from 3,000 in the first days to more than 15,000 over time, with lingering health effects that persist decades later.

The Bhopal disaster exposed failures in industrial safety and corporate accountability. Investigations revealed poor maintenance, inadequate training, and the absence of emergency planning.

Union Carbide and its successor, Dow Chemical, faced years of legal battles and international criticism. Survivors continue to seek justice and environmental cleanup.

The tragedy also prompted reforms in industrial regulation and environmental oversight worldwide.

December 3 remains a solemn reminder of the consequences of negligence — and the need to balance technological progress with human safety. As the world reflects on advancements in medicine and communication achieved on the same date — including the first successful heart transplant in 1967 — Bhopal stands as a cautionary tale etched into the world’s collective memory.