Thane: 3 killed in a explosion at a chemical factory at Dombivli

A massive fire broke out at a chemical factory in MIDC Phase 2 in Dombivli area in Thane on Thursday killing 3 people. Over 100 have been reportedly injured

A massive fire broke out at a chemical factory in MIDC Phase 2 in Dombivli area in Thane on Thursday killing 3 people. Over 100 have been reportedly injured.

Smoke at the factory where the fire occurred. Pic/Satej Shinde

The mishap occurred at about 11.30 am when cylinders exploded triggering a blaze in the chemical manufacturing unit of Probace Enterprises at Shivaji Udyog Nagar of MIDC phase-II area in Dombivli (East).

Such was the intensity of the blast that the shock wave generated by it shattered window panes of adjoining buildings and shocked people were seen running helter-skelter, an eye-witness said.

Pic/Satej Shinde

While there the amount of damage and casualties are yet to be ascertained, reports suggest that the blast was so huge that window panes in buildings located nearby were shattered.

Pic/Satej Shinde

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has termed the incident as 'tragic' and 'unfortunate' and has assured to leave no stone unturned in relief operations.

Suresh Shinde, a chief fire officials from Kalyan Dombivli Municipal Corporation said, "It was a huge fire and more than 20 people were shifted to various nearby hospital. Around 10 fire engines and five water tankers from MIDC fire unit, Dombivli, Kalyan and Mumbra have already reached the spot and are in process to douse the fire."

Dombivli fire site. Pic/Satej Shinde

Shinde further added the fire took place at Phase II area of MIDC in Dombivli east. The chemical blast took place in a chemical factory at around 11 on Thursday and the impact has affected many. We have not found any boiler yet to specifically say that it was a boiler blast. We suspect some chemical explosion could be the reason. Our first priority is to douse the fire and shift the casaulties. The impact of the blast was so huge affecting around 1 to 2 kilometers area where most of the windows and glasses broke down."

The impact was such that window panes from nearby buildings broke. 

Sachianand Gawade, Deputy Commandant, NDRF said, "A team from the Andheri unit had already left at the spot at 1 pm. We came to know about the fire from television after which we updated our team to reach the spot for rescue operation and other necessary help."

Dr Mahendra Kalyankar, Thane collector also rushed to the spot to examine the area.

Akilesh Jha a residence of Shagaon that is hardly 5 minutes from the spot said, "The blast has affected residential complex nearby. Most of the windows were shatterred with the impact of the blast. I was at my residence when the incident took place. We earlier thought it's an earthquake. In our house, all the glass utensils have broken down and our neighbour's window panes have also been shattered.

Saddened to know about the unfortunate & tragic incident that took place at Dombivali.
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— Devendra Fadnavis (@Dev_Fadnavis) May 26, 2016

Spoke to police officials & local authorities and asked them to speed up the relief operations.#Dombivali
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— Devendra Fadnavis (@Dev_Fadnavis) May 26, 2016

We are constantly in touch with the local administration and we would leave no stone unturned in our efforts & relief operation.
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— Devendra Fadnavis (@Dev_Fadnavis) May 26, 2016

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