Chemical plant explosion and fire kills two, injures 17
05 January 2023
An explosion and fire at a chemical plant in Maharashtra, India killed two people and left 17 others injured on January 1. The incident occurred at a chemical plant operated by Jindal Poly Films which produces polyester and polypropylene films.
Representative image: Shutterstock
The incident happened at around 11:30 local time at the plant in the village of Igatpuri. Two workers died at the scene after an initial explosion caused a large fire to break out. Officials said that 17 other workers sustained injuries with several requiring treatment at hospital. Hospital officials said that four remain in critical conditions.
An investigation has been opened to determine the cause of the blast, however initial indications are that a boiler exploded. The explosion was large enough that it could be heard several miles away. Around 20 fire engines were called to the scene to extinguish a large fire that broke out following the explosion. It was eventually brought under control by the morning of January 2.
Officials said that those affected by the incident, including the families of the deceased, would be given financial assistance. They added that a high-level inquiry would be conducted to discover the cause of the incident.