On Thursday, a devastating boiler explosion rocked the Dombivali industrial area in Than district, Maharashtra, claiming the lives of seven people and injuring 48 others.
The incident occurred around 1:40 pm at the Amudan Chemical Company, located in Phase 2 of the Dombivli MIDC area. According to officials, a reactor at the factory exploded, triggering a series of back-to-back blasts in nearby factories.
The impact of the blast and the resulting fire affected adjacent factories and residential areas, shattering windows and causing significant damage to nearby structures. Eyewitnesses reported that the explosion was so loud that it could be heard up to a kilometer away.
Rescue and firefighting efforts were immediately launched, with ten fire engines deployed to the site. The firefighting operations continued past 11 pm on Thursday, and cooling operations are still ongoing.
Tragically, the death toll has since risen to 10, with three more bodies discovered on Friday morning. The bodies of the deceased were charred beyond recognition, making identification a challenging task.
Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis expressed his condolences and stated that the government will bear the expenses of the injured persons’ treatment. Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has also directed that the victims be paid compensation within a week.
The Manpada police in Bombivli have filed a case of culpable homicide against the owners of Amudan Chemicals – Mehta and Malay Pradeep Mehta along with the director, administrator, and other officials of the company. They have been charged under various sections of the Indian Panel Code, including 304 (culpable homicide not amounting to murder), 324 (Voluntarily causing hurt by dangerous weapons or means), 326 (Voluntarily causing grievous hurt by dangerous weapons or means), 285 (negligent conduct concerning fire or combustible matter), 286 (negligent conduct concerning explosive substance), 427 (mischief causing damage to the amount of fifty rupees), and 34 (acts done by several persons in furtherance of common intention).
The Thane police have formed several teams to investigate the case, and they have also detained one of the owners, Malti Pradip Mehta, while her son, Malay Pradip Mehta, remains at large.
According to the National Disaster Respons Force (NDRF), the affected chemical factory produced food colors and used peroxides, which are highly reactive and unstable chemicals that can cause explosions under certain conditions.
The incident has once again highlighted the importance of strict safety protocols and regulatory oversight in the chemical industry. Authorities have assured that a thorough investigation will be conducted, and those found responsible will be held accountable.
The tragedy has left the local community in shock and mourning, as families grapple with the loss of their loved ones. The government’s premise of compensation and medical assistance for the injured is a small solace in the face of such a devastating event.
As the rescue and investigation efforts continue, the cous remains on providing support to the victims and their families, while also ensuring that such incidents are prevented in the future through robust safety measures and effective enforcement of regulations.