New Delhi (India) February 16:Seven workers died in a large fire in a chemical factory in Rajasthan’s Bhiwadi on Monday, and 10 workers are still feared trapped. Around 9.30 am, 20-25 workers were in the factory when the fire began. Within minutes, flames burst out from the private industrial unit and engulfed large portions of the factory. Some workers managed to escape.
PM Express Grief and Swift Action
Prime Minister Narendra Modi called the incident “tragic and deeply saddening.”
"The fire mishap in Bhiwadi, Rajasthan, is tragic and deeply saddening. My condolences to those who have lost their loved ones. I pray for the speedy recovery of those injured," said PM Modi.
CM Lead Condolences, Mobilize Aid
CM Bhajanlal Sharma ordered district administrations to conduct relief and rescue immediately. He instructed the Forest Minister Sanjay Sharma to reach Alwar.
“The news of the loss of lives due to a fire in a factory in the Khushkheda Industrial Area of Bhiwadi is extremely heartbreaking. The district administration has been directed to carry out relief and rescue operations. I pray to God for the peace of the departed souls and wish for the swift recovery of the injured," he said on social media platform X.
Probe Targets Illegal Ops
The owner rented the factory, and the tenant reportedly manufactured firecrackers illegally. A stockpile of gunpowder and cardboard inside the factory erupted into a large fire, rapidly intensifying the fire.
To prevent a major disaster, nearby factories were evacuated and power to their electrical supplies was cut off temporarily. Eyewitnesses said that three to four loud explosions were heard during the fire, raising panic among local residents and laborers.
Investigation Probes Safety Lapses
After one and a half hours from the onset of the fire, the fire was brought under control. Investigators have yet to verify the cause of the fire. The initial investigation at the scene is currently being supervised by Tijara Deputy Superintendent of Police Shivraj Singh.
Officers in the senior district including the Superintendent of Police and ADM have been exploring in detail the incident. The district administration has launched a magisterial inquiry to determine the cause of the fire and identify possible lapses in safety protocols.
Rescue Efforts Bring Fire Under Control
The incident first emerged, said Additional District Magistrate Sumita Mishra, who said it occurred after routine patrolling by police in the area.
Quick-response police, fire brigade personnel, medical teams and administrative officials arrived on the scene and cordoned off the area to allow for relief efforts.