A devastating boiler explosion at a chemical factory in the MIDC area of Dombivli, near Mumbai, has resulted in the deaths of at least seven people and injuries to 48 others. The incident occurred on Thursday in Thane district, Maharashtra, triggering a massive fire.
Initial Report and Rescue Efforts
Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis reported that six people had perished in the explosion, with 48 more injured. Teams from the NDRF, SDRF, and TDRF are actively working to control and contain the fire, aiming to prevent its spread.
Details of Explosion
The explosion took place at Amber Chemical Company in Phase 2 of the Dombivli MIDC area, as confirmed by a local civic official. Moreover, Civil Defence Officer Bimal Nathwani described the incident, noting that it happened around 1:30 pm. The blast was powerful enough to shake buildings up to 1.5 km away, and its vibrations were felt within a 5 km radius. Additionally, Nathwani confirmed the recovery of seven bodies.
Eyewitnesses reported hearing the blast from a kilometer away. Furthermore, the explosion caused significant damage, cracking glass windows of nearby buildings and damaging several houses. Consequently, the injured were swiftly taken to a local hospital for treatment.
Yasin Tadvi, chief of the Disaster Management Cell of the Thane civic body, stated that the explosion occurred around 1:40 pm and the resulting fire spread to three neighboring factories, producing thick smoke visible from afar.
Deputy CM Fadnavis expressed his sorrow over the incident on social media, describing it as tragic. He suspended eight individuals in connection with the explosion and arranged treatment for the injured, with additional ambulances on standby. Fadnavis also mentioned his discussions with the Collector, who was on his way to the site, and the involvement of NDRF, TDRF, and fire brigade teams.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde assessed the situation and highlighted the explosion’s intensity, which damaged 6-7 nearby factories and several residential properties. He announced plans to relocate highly hazardous factories, categorized as Red, to non-residential areas. Authorities will conduct a high-level inquiry to investigate the incident and ensure accountability.
The state government will provide ₹5 lakh to the families of the deceased and cover the treatment costs for the injured. Additionally, the company will compensate the affected employees.
For much news visit birdseyenews.com.
