A massive fire broke out at a chemical factory in MIDC Phase 2 in Dombivli area in Thane on Thursday killing 3 people. Over 100 have been reportedly injured.
As per initial reports, the blast occurred in the Herbert Brown company ( Acharya) chemical factory. Along with the said company, MIDC officials confirm that six companies nearby have also been severely damaged.
While there the amount of damage and casualties are yet to be ascertained, reports suggest that the blast was so huge that window panes in buildings located nearby were shattered.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has termed the incident as ‘tragic’ and ‘unfortunate’ and has assured to leave no stone unturned in relief operations. Suresh Shinde, a chief fire officials from Kalyan Dombivli Municipal Corporation said, “It was a huge fire and more than 20 people were shifted to various nearby hospital. Around 10 fire engines and five water tankers from MIDC fire unit, Dombivli, Kalyan and Mumbra have already reached the spot and are in process to douse the fire.”
Sachianand Gawade, Deputy Commandant, NDRF said, “A team from the Andheri unit had already left at the spot at 1 pm. We came to know about the fire from television after which we updated our team to reach the spot for rescue operation and other necessary help.” Dr Mahendra Kalyankar, Thane collector also rushed to the spot to examine the area. Akilesh Jha a residence of Shagaon that is hardly 5 minutes from the spot said, “The blast has affected residential complex nearby. Most of the windows were shatterred with the impact of the blast. I was at my residence when the incident took place. We earlier thought it’s an earthquake. In our house, all the glass utensils have broken down and our neighbour’s window panes have also been shattered. more..
