- By Shivam Shandilya
- Thu, 23 May 2024 09:45 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Maharashtra Blast: A total of seven persons were killed and more than 40 were injured in an explosion at a chemical factory in the Thane district of Maharashtra on Thursday, reports news agency PTI, quoting officials. As a boiler exploded at Amudan Chemicals located in Phase 2 of Dombivli MIDC area around 1.40 pm, the impact of the explosion and the blaze impacted the factories adjacent to it.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde also reached the spot of the fire in Thane district. In a post on X, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis wrote, "My deepest condolences to the families who lost their loved ones".
VIDEO | Dombivli Boiler Blast: “All such hazardous companies which fall in the rare category will be shifted. Incidents like this should not be repeated. A high-level inquiry will be undertaken. Those responsible for it will not be spared and receive severe punishment. Families… pic.twitter.com/sXz9ZO7OX8
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) May 23, 2024
"Injured are being treated at AIMS, Neptune and Global hospitals, and every kind of assistance is being provided. Praying for their speedy recovery. Various teams and administrative officials are on the spot for rescue operations," he added.
Here Are Top Updates:
- According to preliminary information, those who have been killed were working in the neighbouring factories, said Maharashtra Industries Minister Uday Samant. Five men and two women were killed in the incident, but their bodies were charred beyond recognition, said Yasin Tadvi, chief of the disaster management cell of the Thane Municipal Corporation.
- Besides fire brigade and the police, the NDRF is also taking part in the rescue operation.
VIDEO | Dombivli Boiler Blast: Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde (@mieknathshinde) reached the spot of the fire incident at a chemical factory in Thane district.
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) May 23, 2024
(Full video available on PTI Videos - https://t.co/dv5TRAShcC) pic.twitter.com/fQk1YQ18ym
- The blast was so loud that it was heard a kilometre away, an eyewitness said. Glass windows of adjoining buildings cracked, while many houses in the vicinity were damaged, reports news agency PTI, quoting officials.
- According to reports, many vehicles and houses have been damaged due to the explosion at the spot.
- According to NDTV, Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde ordered the closing of red-category units. He said that an ABC classification of companies will take place, and thousands of high-intensity units will be closed.
- Shinde also added that a case of culpable homicide should be registered, that the families of the victims will be given Rs 5 lakh as compensation, and that the state government will bear the medical expenses of the injured.
- Earlier, Shinde had said that action would be taken against those who were responsible for this accident. He has also assured a high-level inquiry in the incident.
(With input from agencies)