Six injured in boiler explosion at Dombivli chemical factory in Thane

A major fire causes our post-boiler explosion in a chemical factory in Dombivli | Photo: ANI

At least six workers were injured on Thursday after a major fire broke out following a boiler explosion at a chemical factory in Dombivli, located in Thane district of Maharashtra, according to a report by news agency PTI. The explosion took place at Amber Chemical Company in Phase 2 of Dombivli MIDC area.

The injured workers were immediately taken to a local hospital for treatment.

The blast, which happened at around 1.40pm, was reportedly so loud it could be heard from up to a kilometer away, raising alarms in the area.

An eyewitness said the explosion caused cracks in the glass windows of nearby buildings and damaged many houses in the area.

Yasin Tadvi, head of the Thane Municipal Corporation’s Disaster Management Cell, confirmed the explosion and stated that the ensuing fire spread to three adjacent factories. Thick plumes of smoke and fire were visible from a great distance, adding to the urgency of the situation.

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said eight people trapped at the site had been rescued.

“Arrangements have been made to treat the injured and more ambulances have been kept ready. I spoke to the Thane collector and they are also on site. Teams from National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Thane Disaster Response Force (TDRF) and fire brigade have been called in,” Fadnavis said on social media platform X (formerly Twitter).

In response to the severity of the fire, a brigade call was issued and eight fire engines were sent to the scene, Tadvi said. In addition, teams from the Regional Disaster Management Cell of the Thane Municipal Corporation and 13 personnel from the Thane Disaster Response Force have arrived to assist in controlling the fire.

Efforts are underway to control the fire and assess the full extent of the damage.

This is a development story.

First print: May 23, 2024 | 4:09 pm IST