A devastating explosion ripped through a chemical factory in Thane’s Dombivli, near Mumbai, triggering a massive fire and leaving a harrowing scene of in its wake on Thursday. The factory blast unfolded after a boiler within the premises of the Amudan Chemical Company, nestled in MIDC Phase 2, erupted in a powerful blast, according to officials.
The aftermath of the explosion has seen at least four individuals lose their lives, while over 25 others sustained injuries, some of them critical. As plumes of smoke billowed into the sky and flames engulfed the factory, fears mounted over the fate of several individuals who are believed to be trapped within the debris.
Chemical Factory blast Dombivili East Midc @DrSEShinde @CMOMaharashtra @Dev_Fadnavis @amitmalviya @AmitShah pic.twitter.com/ybzEv7LTqk
— #sachinsirsikar (@sachinsirsikar) May 23, 2024
Eyewitnesses recounted the horror of hearing three successive blasts echoing from the factory premises, underscoring the intensity of the incident. Amid the chaos, rescuers sprang into action, managing to extricate eight individuals from the rubble, as per statements from Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister, Devendra Fadnavis.
“The incident of a boiler explosion at Amudan Chemical Company in Dombivli MIDC is tragic. Eight people involved in this incident have been rescued,” Devendra Fadnavis said, highlighting the swift response efforts underway. “Arrangements have been made to treat the injured and more ambulances have been kept ready.”
Expressing solidarity with the victims, Fadnavis conveyed his prayers for the swift recovery of those injured in the catastrophe. The gravity of the situation prompted the mobilization of multiple emergency response teams, including the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), the Thane Disaster Response Force (TDRF), and local fire brigades.
“I pray to God for the speedy recovery of the injured,” Fadnavis added, as the exhaustive efforts to contain the inferno and rescue any remaining individuals continued relentlessly.
With approximately 15 firefighting engines deployed at the scene, authorities grappled with the daunting task of quelling the flames, a process anticipated to extend over four hours. The extent of the devastation became starkly apparent, with reports emerging of damage to surrounding vehicles and residences, exacerbating the toll of the tragedy.
Amid the tumult, Dr. Nikhil Patil, told the NDTV, “We are waiting for more people to be rescued. The workers on the day shift were inside the factory when the explosion occurred. It is unknown how many people are stuck inside.”
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