A fire tore through a chemical and firecracker factory in the Khuskhera industrial area of Rajasthan’s Bhiwadi on Monday morning, killing seven workers and leaving one missing. The deceased were among 11 workers present at the unit when the blaze erupted.
The incident occurred at a private industrial unit, and according to officials, police on patrol first noticed the fire and immediately alerted authorities, triggering a large-scale rescue operation. The RIICO (Rajasthan Industrial Development and Investment Corporation) fire brigade received information from the police control room at 9.22 am. However, within minutes, the flames intensified and engulfed the premises.
Fire tenders from the Khuskhera and Bhiwadi RIICO fire stations rushed to the spot. After nearly one and a half hours of continuous efforts, firefighters managed to bring the blaze under control.
Additional SP Atul Sahi told The Indian Express that seven people died while four have been referred to the hospital. The rescue operation is ongoing.
Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma described the fire incident in Khushkhera industrial area, in Khairthal-Tijara district, as tragic and said that instructions have been given to the district administration to ensure that the injured get good medical treatment.
According to police, the intensity of the fire left a grim scene. Visuals from the factory that appeared on social media showed several bodies that were charred beyond recognition. Rescue teams collected remains in polythene bags from amid the debris. The injured workers were moved to a nearby hospital for treatment.
Police, administrative officials, fire brigade personnel, rescue teams and medical staff cordoned off the area and carried out relief operations.
The factory owner has been identified, and the administration has ordered a magisterial inquiry to determine the cause of the fire and examine possible lapses.
