A chemical factory in Maharashtra's Thane witnessed a terrifying explosion on Thursday. The catastrophic event resulted in 8 fatalities and injuries to over 64 individuals. According to reports, around 1:40 PM, a boiler exploded at Amudan Chemicals situated in the industrial area of Dombivli's Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC) Phase-2. The blast was so powerful that it affected several nearby factories. Following the disaster, Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and MP Shrikant Shinde visited the site, assuring the injured that the government would bear their medical expenses. The Revenue Department is assessing the damages incurred. The Maharashtra government has announced financial assistance of INR 5 lakh to the families of the deceased.
Suspicions of People Trapped Inside the Plant
There are concerns that some individuals might still be trapped inside the plant, where the firefighting team is struggling to contain the fire. The boiler blast was so intense that its sound was heard up to 5 kilometers, with its effects felt within a radius of approximately 2 kilometers. Windows in factories, shops, and residential homes shattered, injuring local residents.
How Did the Fire Start?
Fire department officials indicated that the incident occurred at Amudan Chemical Private Limited when about 10 employees were processing chemicals in the boiler, which then exploded and caught fire. Boiler parts fell within a 1.5-kilometer radius, causing damage to various companies, roads, and shop windows.
Three Adjacent Companies and Showroom Engulfed in Flames, 12 Vehicles Reduced to Ashes
The fire resulting from the explosion at Amudan Chemical Factory spread to three nearby companies, causing them significant damage. Additionally, a fire broke out in a car dealer's showroom located a short distance away, where approximately 12 vehicles were completely destroyed. Following the incident, fire brigades from the Kalyan-Dombivli Municipal Corporation, Thane, Ulhasnagar, Navi Mumbai arrived at the scene, with the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) team also reaching the site.
Source: aajtak
Struggle to extinguish the fire
Chief Fire Officer Namdev Choudhary said that he was near the MIDC area around 1:15 PM when he heard the explosion and immediately notified his team. About 10 fire brigade vehicles and 10 water tankers were sent to the site, along with approximately 25 drums of foam to control the fire that requires foam when dealing with chemicals. During fire control efforts, various small explosions occurred within the plant, which made it more challenging to manage the fire. Six different private hospitals admitted the 64 injured, with the majority treated at the AIMs Hospital and 9 at Neptune Hospital, while others were distributed to various hospitals.
CM Shinde Announces Financial Assistance
Regarding the incident, CM Eknath Shinde described it as a massive tragedy. He stated that the perpetrators would not be spared and there will be no compromise on people's safety. An investigation will be conducted, and strict action will be taken against the responsible. The families of the deceased will receive financial assistance of INR 5 lakh from the CM Relief Fund.
Source: aajtak
Identification Process for the Deceased Hindered by Severe Burns
Yaseen Tadvi, the head of the Thane Municipal Corporation’s Disaster Management Cell, reported that the bodies were so badly burned in the incident that identification has been challenging. The impact of the disaster affected other factories and residential areas, leading to the decision to shift red zone units out of the area. Furthermore, other units from this location will be relocated.
Deputy CM Fadnavis Expresses Grief
Following the disaster, Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis conveyed his condolences via social media to the families who lost their loved ones, assuring that all necessary aid is being provided. Fadnavis prayed for the quick recovery of the injured, who are being treated at AIMs, Neptune, and Global hospitals.
Source: aajtak
Explosion Heard over 5 Kilometers Away
According to news agency PTI, Maharashtra's Industry Minister Uday Samant mentioned that the facility where the explosion occurred had been shut down for several months before recently resuming operations. Following the event, Uday Samant, along with MP Shrikant Shinde and legislator Raju Patil, visited the site inside the Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation area, located about 40 kilometers from Mumbai. An eyewitness recounted that the blast was so powerful that it was heard from 5 kilometers away. Officials reported that the explosion broke windows of nearby buildings, while many homes in the vicinity were also damaged.
