Mumbai: Multiple explosions at a chemical factory in Maharashtra’s Dhule killed at least 13 persons and left around 58 others severely injured on Saturday. The authorities stated that the premises was buzzing with over 100 workers when the catastrophe hit Rumit Chemsynth Pvt Ltd at around 10 am. The police said that the toll could increase further.
Preliminary investigation revealed that leakage from one of the barrels filled with nitrogen gas triggered a fire, which eventually resulted in a series of explosions due to the presence of several gas cylinders at the company premise. Meanwhile, the state administration has announced `5 lakh compensation to the kin of the deceased.
The loud explosions prompted locals to rush to the site at Waghadi village in Shirpur Taluka. The administration, assisted by the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), swung into action after the police and the collector’s office was informed about the incident.
“The explosions triggered a massive fire which had to be controlled first. The fire fighting machinery from the entire district was pressed into service. The rescue operation continued till late in the night,” said an officer from Dhule District police.
