06 June,2024 10:12 AM IST | Thane | mid-day online correspondent
Site of the Dombivli factory blast/ Satej Shinde
Four of the ten victims who died in a massive blast at a chemical factory in Dombivli, Maharashtra, have been identified, an official confirmed on Thursday.
The explosion occurred on May 23 at Amudan Chemicals in the Dombivli MIDC area of Thane district, resulting in ten fatalities and over 60 injuries. The blast was so powerful that it shattered windows, and damaged cars, roads, and electric poles in the surrounding area, reported PTI.
According to the report, three bodies - a man and two women - had been identified earlier. Recently, another body was identified through DNA testing as Vishal Podwal, according to Shashtri Nagar Civic Hospital's medical officer, Deepa Shukla. Podwal worked in one of the affected factories of the Dombivli factory blast, and his wife claimed the body on Wednesday.
In total, four victims have now been identified. DNA samples from nine other claimants, whose relatives are still missing, have been sent for testing. Additionally, 26 body parts recovered from the blast site have been sent for testing by the Kalyan Dombivli Municipal Corporation, with results pending, the report added.
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Maharashtra govt forms high-level committee to investigate Dombivli factory blast
Meanwhile, an earlier PTI report stated that the Maharashtra government has appointed a high-level committee to investigate the circumstances and cause of the Dombivli factory blast. The committee will submit its report in three weeks. An expert team from New Delhi will also investigate to determine the exact cause of the blast. Efforts are ongoing to locate any missing workers.
State Industries Minister Uday Samant announced that a three-member committee comprising the principal secretaries of the Industries, Labour, and Environment departments will review the incident. "The high-level committee will submit its report in three weeks," Samant stated.
Samant mentioned that the committee will also review chemical plants categorised as A, B, and C, and assess companies that may be violating environmental or other state guidelines. This action follows directives from Chief Minister Eknath Shinde after his visit to the blast site.
Notices have already been issued to companies found flouting state regulations. The state government plans to request the Election Commission to relax the model code of conduct so that land acquisition for relocating factories from Dombivli MIDC to Raigad district can continue. "The state decided to relocate the plants two years ago, but some work was halted due to the model code. We will request a relaxation to resume work and allocate plots to these companies," Samant added.
The estimated loss due to the Dombivli factory blast is Rs 13 crore, including Rs 12 crore in commercial damage and Rs 1.66 crore in residential damage. The government will provide financial assistance to affected individuals and entities, but not to companies with insurance coverage for such incidents.
