5 dead, 100 injured in blast at Thane chemical factory

According to witnesses, a boiler in the factory exploded around 11.30am leading to a major fire

Five people died and 100 were injured in a blast at a chemical factory at MIDC area in Dombivli near Thane on Thursday. While chief minister Devendra Fadnavis has ordered speeding up of relief operations, guardian minister of Thane Eknath Shinde said strict action would be taken against those guilty.

According to witnesses, a boiler in the factory exploded around 11.30am leading to a major fire. More than five fire engines were rushed to the spot.

The companies in the vicinity felt the vibrations, while local residents said their window panes got shattered. The injured have been taken to various hospitals near the factory. Fearing more blasts, many residents came out on the streets. The police have asked people in the area to wear masks as a precautionary measure, as many in the area complained of nausea.

The state government has announced to probe into the accident. Chief minister Devendra Fadnavis tweeted, “Saddened to know about the unfortunate & tragic incident that took place at Dombivli. Spoke to police officials & local authorities and asked them to speed up the relief operations. We are constantly in touch with the local administration and we would leave no stone unturned in our efforts & relief operation.”

“We will thoroughly inquire into the incident and action will be taken against those responsible for the incidents,” said guardian minister Eknath Shinde after visiting the scene of the incident. He also announced the cost of treatment of the injured would be borne by the state government.

Aditya Patwardhan, a resident, said, “We thought it was a bomb explosion. I was shocked to see the window panes broken and the cracks in the wall.”

A police inspector from Manpada police station said, “We have sealed the area around the company.”