In the Dombivli area of Thane district, Maharashtra, a chemical plant experienced a major blast in its boiler on Thursday afternoon that left 30 people injured and four people dead. Authorities stated that since many residents and employees are worried about becoming trapped in the factory, which is situated in the MIDC phase-2 area of Dombivli, the number of injuries may rise. The injured have been transported to MIDC’s AIMS Hospital and Neptune Hospital.
At about 1:30 pm, the explosion happened at Amudan Chemicals Pvt Ltd in Dombivli East, according to the Kalyan Dombivli Municipal Corporation (KDMC). The boom broke glass in surrounding homes since it could be heard for two kilometers. After the explosion, a nearby homeowner saw a thick cloud of smoke rising from the chemical facility.
According to a KDMC fire official involved in the rescue efforts, the company experienced two more explosions because of the chemicals. This was reported to The Indian Express. Rescue efforts are still on, but the workers who heard the first explosion were able to flee just in time. Because of the chemical nature of the company, the fire, which was detected between 1:00 and 1:30 pm, spread quickly, according to KDMC Chief Fire Officer Namdeo Chaudhari. Almost ten fire engines have been sent out by KDMC to help with the rescue operations.
In a post on X (translated from Marathi), Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis expressed sadness over the unfortunate tragedy and mentioned that the eight individuals who were initially trapped have been rescued. He gave his word that more ambulances are prepared and that plans are in place for treating the injured. In addition, he mentioned that he had a conversation with the collector, who was en route to the location. He hoped for the quick recovery of those injured, as teams from the fire department, NDRF, and TDRF are actively participating in the rescue efforts.
Officials intend to conduct an investigation on the accident’s cause after the rescue effort is finished. A comparable explosion that occurred in the Dombivli MIDC area in 2016 and left 12 people dead is evocative of this tragedy.
