Mumbai: A massive blast rocked a chemical factory in suburban Dombivili at around 11am on Thursday, killing five people and leaving 92 injured, authorities said.
Most of the injuries were minor, and those people were hospitalised and then sent home after being given first aid. The rest, some in serious condition, were being treated at local hospitals, a police officer said.
“Though the danger from chemical fumes seems to have reduced, an expert team is arriving to ascertain the pollution levels in the area,” Suresh Shinde, a Station Officer who was at the site, said.
The deafening blast sent shock waves in the locality, destroying other structures and vehicles in the vicinity and shattering glass panes of windows in several buildings located in the radius of three-to-four kilometres. Some window frames were ripped out by the impact of the blast.
The fire took place at the Herbert Brown Pharmaceutical and Research Laboratories located in the Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation Phase 2 Zone in Dombivili East, Thane district, around 50km from Mumbai.
Videos taken immediately after the fire showed several of the injured, including many young women, in a dazed state as they stood outside in bloodstained clothes, with one woman holding her bleeding forehead and looking for help. Most of the workers in the factory were told to leave the complex immediately.
The immediate impact was one of chaos and panic until the workers and residents realised what had happened. The incident once again highlights the safety precautions being maintained in industrial areas. According to the police, the fire has been brought under control.
The initial fire sent plumes of black and yellow smoke up in the air and residents complained of a foul smell.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said in a tweet, “Saddened to know about the unfortunate and tragic incident that took place at Dombivili.”
Thane Guardian Minister Eknath Shinde said all efforts were being made to expedite rescue operations and provide immediate medical care to those injured. He said the cause of the explosion would be investigated.
After the incident, Fadnavis said, “We are constantly in touch with the local administration and will leave no stone unturned in our efforts and relief operation.”
More than a dozen fire engines were rushed to the spot and at least 15 ambulances were at the site during relief operations.
