Image: ANI
At least five workers died and around 50 suffered severe burn injuries after a mysterious explosion took place in Yashashvi Rasayan Private Ltd chemical factory at Dahej in Bharuch on Wednesday, June 3, as thick smoke billowed out of the plant. The injured have been admitted to the Bharuch civil hospital and two other private hospitals. The explosion was so loud that it was heard up to a three kilometre radius. After the explosion, as a precautionary measure, the district administration officials has shifted around 4,800 people staying in two neighbouring villages, away. Fire tenders have been rushed to the spot to control the blaze.
The casualties are likely to rise, since media reports including those in the Indian Express report that, according to Bharuch district disaster management authorities, hundreds of workers were present inside Yashashvi Rasayan at Lakhi village on Wednesday afternoon. Due to a reaction between two containers on account of some chemical process, the blast resulted. The firm has been manufacturing 20 types of chemical components.
Soon after the blast, some of the workers managed to come out of the factory and informed the managers and owners. Fire officials immediately reached the spot, along with the Disaster Management team of Bharuch district collector. Subsequently, a rescue operation was carried out from the factory premises. Police have initiated a probe into the incident.
Bharuch District Superintendent of police Rajendrasinh Chudasma told the Indian Express, “We have come to know that five bodies had been found inside the factory premises, but still fire staff is battling with fire flames. Once the fire is brought under control the exact picture will come out. Police are also present at the spot and are talking to people to get information. It will take after couple of hours. Some of the injured ones undergoing treatment in the hospitals are also critical.”