Dombivli factory blast: Death toll increases to 9; cops file case against owners

Firefighters try to extinguish a fire that broke out due to a boiler blast in a chemicals factory. Pic/PTI

The death toll in the Dombivli factory blast rose on Friday morning, said officials. The officials told news agency PTI that the death toll rose to nine after the discovery of a person's remains at the blast site in Dombivli.

According to the news agency report, the fire after blast was reported at Amudan Chemical Company in MIDC Phase 2 of Dombivli East. An eyewitness told the PTI that the blast was so loud that it could be heard a kilometre away.

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The news agency report also stated the police had registered a case of culpable homicide against the owners of the chemical factory in connection with Dombivli factory blast wherein a fire broke out caused by a suspected boiler blast. Kalyan Tehsildar Sachin Shejal stated that more bodies might be found as the debris is being cleared, the report added.

The explosion, which occurred on Thursday afternoon, injured 64 individuals, including several women from nearby workplaces. These people are being treated in at least six different hospitals, including AIIMS Hospital in Dombivli, which has two dozen patients, the PTI report further stated.

The Dombivli factory blast, caused by a boiler explosion, also started a fire that spread to nearby factories and homes. Ten fire engines were dispatched to suppress the blaze, which lasted until 11 pm on Thursday. According to Kailas Nikam of Kalyan-Dombivli Municipal Corporation's Disaster Management Cell, cooling efforts are now ongoing. The area still reeks of burning chemicals.

The authorities are undertaking an assessment ('panchnama') of the damage, and additional action will be taken. The Manpada police in Dombivli have charged the plant owners with culpable homicide under Indian Penal Code section 304A, as well as laws dealing with explosive substances and hazardous chemicals.

The bodies of the deceased have been transported to government hospitals for postmortem tests. "The bodies were charred and beyond recognition," explained Tehsildar Shejal.

A top official from Thane's police commissionerate revealed that multiple police teams have been created to probe the Dobivli factory blast, including the involvement of government authorities in providing clearances and inspections.

The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) stated that the plant manufactured food colours and used highly reactive and unstable chemicals, such as peroxides, which can create severe explosions under certain conditions. According to eyewitnesses, the blast could be heard a kilometre away and caused severe damage to neighbouring buildings and homes.

With PTI inputs