An explosion and subsequent fire at a chemical factory in western India resulted in the deaths of at least eight individuals, with around 60 others sustaining injuries, according to officials and media sources.
Rescuers conducted searches amidst debris and wreckage in Maharashtra state’s Thane district following the incident at the Amudan Chemical company.
An explosion in the factory’s boiler triggered a fire that spread to nearby factories and houses, according to administrative official Sachin.
Two bodies have been identified thus far, while others are too badly burned for immediate recognition. Shejal stated that DNA samples have been requested from the victims’ families to aid in identification.
Devendra Fadnavis, Maharashtra’s deputy chief minister, mentioned to India’s NDTV on Thursday that some individuals had been rescued, and arrangements were made for treating the injured.
The blast’s sound was reportedly audible from a kilometer away, as per NDTV.
The explosion’s force was such that it sent shockwaves through the area, causing damage to neighbouring factories and breaking windows in nearby residences, allegedly leaving a substantial crater at the site.
The cause of the explosion, which produced a large cloud of grey smoke, is currently under investigation.
On Friday, police filed charges of culpable homicide, citing negligence in handling toxic substances, against the factory owners.
The factory, which manufactured food colouring and utilised highly reactive chemicals prone to explosions, now faces legal scrutiny.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, as quoted by NDTV, assured that compensation would be provided to the families of the victims, and the state government would cover the medical expenses of the numerous injured individuals.
Fires are a frequent occurrence in India due to inadequate safety standards and insufficient enforcement of regulations.
Activists point out that builders frequently compromise on safety measures to minimise expenses, while civic authorities are often criticised for negligence and indifference.
As India strives to establish itself as a manufacturing center, ensuring the safety of workers is becoming a progressively urgent concern that the nation must address, experts emphasise.
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