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10 die in Indian chemical factory

01 October 2008

Ten women were killed and several others injured in a fire at a chemical factory caused by multiple explosions at Sai Chemicals at Landewadi in the Pimpri- Chinchwad-Bhosari industrial belt.

The explosions on the 27th August 2008 were believed to be due to a short circuit causing a boiler to explode, triggering a series of blasts as 20 containers of chemicals exploded. Another potential cause is the storage of chemicals such as acetone and denatured spirit in the factory.

The factory employed more than 40 women, and nearly 30 workers were on the premises when the mishap occurred. Four women charred to death on the spot, and six died from asphyxiation. The majority of bodies were burnt to beyond recognition. The shutter used for entering and leaving the factory was closed. It had to be broken with a crane, delaying the time it took for the women to be rescued.

Sai Chemicals was set up in 1987 and produces bomb covers for ammunition factories, although neither municipal nor industrial authorities can say where it got permission.


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