Three dead, several injured in blast at chemical plant near Mumbai

Three persons were killed and 14 others injured following a powerful explosion at a chemical factory in the Boisar area of Palghar district late Thursday night, nearly 100 km from Mumbai.

The fire, which spread to at least six other units in the area, occurred after a boiler containing industrial solvent burst under high temperature and pressure.  The six factories affected at the Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC) area at Boisar include Novaphene Specialities, Prachi Industries, Bharat Rasayan, Arti Industries, Unimax and Darbar.

The explosions started at around 23:45 hrs on Thursday night and were controlled by 08:00 hrs on Friday morning. "We are probing and the guilty will be charged under relevant sections of the IPC and we may recommend the government to cancel the manufacturing licence of the guilty units," Prashant Narnaware, district collector, Palghar said, adding that it needs to be seen whether the security and safety guidelines were followed or not.

Nearly 30 to 40 loud explosions were heard by locals as they came out of their houses fearing an earthquake.

"The fire has been controlled...cooling operations were continuing and search and rescue is continuing," said, Manjunath Singe, superintendent of police.

Shock-waves from the blasts could be felt within the 15 sq km radius from the spot in Palghar, Mahim, Boisar and surrounding areas. Doors and glass panes of nearby houses were shattered following chain of explosions.  Tarapur Atomic Power Station, which is also located on the Boisar-Tarapur Road, is around 20 km away from the spot.

At least 25 fire tenders from Vasai-Virar, Bhiwandi-Nizampur, Palghar, Tarapur Atomic Power Station (TAPS), Reliance Power, Dahanu, Thane and Palghar were pressed into service.

The Directorate of Industrial Safety and Health (DISH) at Vasai, will ascertain the cause of the fire and submit a report to the Boisar MIDC police, who have registered a case of an accident. Panchanamas are being done.  

"A detailed probe about the causes of fire would be carried out," said Boisar MLA Vilas Tare.