Dhule: 13 killed by explosion in chemical unit

"The walls of our homes cracked," said a resident of Waghadi village, while describing the blast that took place at a private chemical factor near Dhule. The explosion and ensuing fire killed at least 13 people and injured 50 on Saturday. Rescue operations by the State Disaster Resource Force (SDRF) teams are underway and the NDRF team has been alerted. The death toll is likely to increase.

The explosion took place at around 9.45 am at Rumit Chemismith factory in Waghadi village, about 7 km from Shirupur taluka, 350 km from Mumbai. The factory manufactures washing detergent and its owner has not yet been identified; neither has the cause of the fire.

It is believed that a 200-litre chemical barrel exploded first, the fire spread to other parts of the factory and there were more blasts. "The explosion happened where chemicals were being mixed," said a government official.

"And the fire spread to other cans where chemicals were stored. It kept spreading thus till the evening, causing high mortality," he added.

Several teams of the local police, state and central disaster response force and fire brigade are engaged in relief, rescue and rehabilitation operations at the site. A massive blanket of smoke could be seen over the factory and surrounding villages. The injured have been admitted to three different hospitals in Dhule.

As many as 100 workers were in the factory when the calamity struck. Local resident and reporter Kishor Mali said the explosion was so thunderous that it resounded within a 10 km radius of the factory. "Many animals, who were close to the factory, were also killed," said a resident of Waghadi village. About 10,000 families living in the village have been evacuated to safe locations where they have been provided with the food and shelter.

(Charred remains of chemical factory seen in Dhule on Saturday - PTI)

Offering his condolences, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced compensation of Rs 5 lakh for the kin of the deceased. Union Home minister Amit Shah too expressed sorrow, tweeting, "Anguished to learn about the loss of lives due to explosion at a chemical factory... Have spoken to CM @Dev_Fadnavis, state govt is doing everything possible to assist the people in need. My condolences with the bereaved families. May injured recover soon."

Dada Bhuse, guardian minister of Dhule, has ordered an inquiry into the incident. He said that the priority was to rescue those affected and help families of the victims. "Once this work is done," he said, "we will decide on the level of inquiry needed after consulting with the chief minister. But no one will be spared."

Shyam Saner, Dhule district president of Congress party, demanded that high-risk chemical factories functioning in the area be shut down. "We have information that fire and safety audit was not carried out regularly in this factory," he said. "We want a high-level judicial inquiry and whoever is responsible has to be punished."

State Labour Minister Dr Sanjay Kute has ordered an inquiry, putting Labour commissioner at the helm of investigations. The scope of the probe will include whether sanctioned chemicals were being used, and whether safety norms were being followed and the factory had been audited regularly.

"The Deputy Labour Commissioner of Dhule district has been sent to the spot for a primary inquiry," he added. " We will take all precautionary measures necessary to ensure such accidents do not happen in the future."