Thirteen workers including six women were killed and 64 others injured in explosions of nitrogen gas cylinders at a chemical factory in North Maharashtra's Dhule district on the morning of Saturday, 31 August, police said.
The Maharashtra government announced a ex-gratia of Rs 5 lakh each to next of the kin of the deceased and Rs 50,000 each to the injured. The state government will also bear the expenses of their medical treatment.
Around 100 workers were present in the factory, located in Waghadi village in Shirpur taluka, when the incident occurred around 9:45 am, he said.
How Did It Happen?
A preliminary probe revealed that a chemical leak caused a fire, which led to serial explosions at the factory of Rumit Chemsynth Pvt Ltd, a senior police officer told PTI.
Rumit Chemsynth manufactures chemicals used in the pharmaceutical industry.
Initially suspecting the boiler of the company to have exploded, police officers said the presence of several nitrogen gas cylinders and barrels of chemicals in one place increased the severity of the tragedy.
Relief & Rescue Operations
Fire brigades, police and the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) conducted the relief and rescue operations.
Riot Control Police were deployed at the spot along with local police to prevent any law and order situation.
The injured have been admitted at the Dhule civil hospital and Shirpur Cottage Hospital. All deceased have been identified.
Earlier in the day, Union Home Minister, on Twitter, expressed his condolences with the bereaved families. He said the state government is doing everything possible to assist the people in need.
State Labour Minister Sanjay Kute said a labour commissioner will conduct an inquiry to find out whether the factory complied with the mandatory safety norms.
Terming the incident "unfortunate," Leader of Opposition in the Maharashtra Assembly Vijay Wadettiwar demanded a high-level probe.
The Congress leader also sought a compensation of Rs 10 lakh for the kin of the deceased and Rs 2 lakh for the injured.
(With inputs from PTI, ANI)
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