At least seven workers were burnt alive and four others sustained grievous injuries in a massive fire that broke out at a chemical factory in Khushkhera industrial area of Khairthal-Tijara district in Rajasthan on Monday morning.
Unofficial sources put the death toll at eight, but officials have not confirmed this. Only three of the deceased, all from Motihari district in Bihar, have been identified so far. Officials said five of the deceased belonged to Bihar, and the remaining victims will be identified through DNA profiling.
According to police and fire brigade sources, the blaze erupted with a loud explosion early in the morning and quickly engulfed the entire factory premises, triggering panic in nearby areas. Around 25 workers were present at the time of the mishap.
The four injured workers were referred to the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi, and are stated to be in critical condition.
Official sources indicated the possibility of illegal manufacturing of firecrackers at the factory. The factory manager has been arrested in connection with the incident.
District Collector Aartika Shukla said a small quantity of explosive material might have been stored in the premises, which could have triggered the blast and the subsequent fire.
The flames spread rapidly due to combustible material stacked inside the factory, sources said.
More than half a dozen fire brigade units were pressed into service and worked for several hours to bring the fire under control. As a precautionary measure, people and goods were evacuated from nearby factories.
The charred bodies of the seven victims were recovered when fire brigade personnel entered the premises. Officials said the exact cause of the fire could not be immediately ascertained.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi condoled the loss of lives. Quoting the Prime Minister, the PMO said on its official X handle, “The fire mishap in Bhiwadi, Rajasthan, is tragic and deeply saddening. My condolences to those who have lost their loved ones. I pray for the speedy recovery of those injured.”
Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma, former Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, and Leader of Opposition Tika Ram Jully also expressed grief over the incident.
The Chief Minister announced an ex-gratia of Rs 3 lakh each from the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund to the next of kin of the deceased and directed officials to ensure the best possible medical treatment for the injured and relief for affected families.
Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar also condoled the deaths and announced an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh each for the families of the five victims from Bihar.
Former Chief Minister Gehlot and LoP Jully also prayed for eternal peace for the departed souls and expressed solidarity with the bereaved families.