Survivor's Testimony
The Bhopal gas tragedy remains one of the world's worst industrial disasters. On the night of December 2, 1984, a toxic gas leak from the Union Carbide plant in Bhopal resulted in immediate death and long-term suffering for thousands. Survivors, like Aziza Sultan, recount the horrific moments during the gas leak, describing a scene filled with panic and pain. She recalls waking up to her baby coughing amidst a suffocating gas cloud, highlighting the vulnerability of low-income communities during industrial mishaps.
Within days of the incident, over 8,000 lives were lost, with many more suffering from chronic illnesses and disabilities. The tragedy revealed systemic exploitative practices, as poor safety standards led to catastrophic consequences. The negligence of Union Carbide was glaring, as they had previously ignored safety protocols to maximize profits, leading to inadequate safeguards in Bhopal compared to their plants in the United States.
Despite evidence of liability, the company accepted a mere fraction of the compensation it should have owed to the victims, which sparked outrage and calls for justice that linger to this day. This case illustrates the broader issue of worker rights, environmental protection, and corporate accountability in the face of economic exploitation. It emphasizes the critical role of laws and their enforcement in safeguarding lives and ensuring that companies cannot evade responsibility for their actions.