Nitrogen gas cylinders blasts at chemical factory in Maharashtra’s Dhule, 15 died

“More than 13 workers have been died while 58 others injured in the explosion at the chemical factory in in Maharashtra’s Dhule,” a senior police officer told. It is suspected a leaking chemical from a barrel triggered the fire which led to a series of explosions in the factory in Waghadi village, Shirpur taluka around 9:45 a.m., he said. At least 100 workers were present in the factory at the time of the incident, he added. The concerned factory Rumit Chemsynth Pvt Ltd. manufactures a chemical used for making medicines. The officer said the presence of a number of nitrogen gas cylinders and barrels containing chemicals in the factory increased the severity of the blasts.
“Prima facie, a fire was triggered due to leak of chemical from a barrel which spread to cylinders causing blasts,” the officer said. Police initially suspected the boiler of the company has exploded, but have found it to be intact.
The injured have been admitted at the Dhule civil hospital and Shirpur Cottage Hospital.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis expressed grief over the loss of lives in the explosion and announced ₹5 lakh compensation to the kin of the deceased. “CM Devendra Fadnavis expressed grief over loss of lives in explosion at chemical factory near Shirpur in Dhule district. Guardian Minister, Collector, SP on spot. SDRF team reached too and now fire is under control. CM Devendra Fadnavis also announced 5 lakh to the kin of deceased,” the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) tweeted.
Meanwhile, Union Home Minister Amit Shah spoke to Mr. Fadnavis and took stock of the situation arising out of the explosion at the chemical factory.
During the telephonic conversation, the Chief Minister conveyed to the Home Minister that the State government is doing its best to help those who are in distress.
“Anguished to learn about the loss of lives due to explosion at a chemical factory in Dhule, Maharashtra. 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,” Mr. Shah tweeted.