Dombivli factory blast: 'Ground shook, windows broke across our village,' say locals

Smoke billowing from the blast site seen from a high-rise in Dombivli East. Pics/Satej Shinde

An explosion rocked a chemical factory boiler in Dombivli MIDC Phase II, claiming the lives of seven people and injuring over 30 others. Mhatre Pada village, situated next to MIDC, bore the brunt of the blast, causing extensive damage. The explosion, originating from a chemical-filled boiler unit, shattered house windows and caused significant structural harm throughout the village. The repercussions of the blast reverberated strongly throughout the surrounding area.

The residents of Mhatre Pada are facing the aftermath of the blast, with many homes and structures needing urgent repairs. Akshay Mhatre, a resident, shared, "When the blast happened, our family was at home. Luckily, no one was hurt by the shattered windows. Later, I saw the top of the boiler flying. It landed on Guardian School, which was fortunately closed due to a public holiday."

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Damage caused by blast to nearby locality

Shailesh Mhatre, another resident said, "It was around 1.30 pm, and we had just finished lunch. My 9-month-old child was sleeping in another room. Suddenly, there was a loud noise that almost deafened us. The ground shook, and my immediate concern was checking on my child. Thankfully, he was safe. Everything inside our house was shattered or broken by the blast's force." He added, "The government promised to relocate industries to Ambarnath after the 2016 boiler blast, but no action was taken."

Dnyaneshwar Munde described the scene, saying, "The ground shook as if there was a powerful earthquake. The noise was unbearable. We live in constant fear of another blast, with so many chemical factories nearby. Every day, we breathe in chemical fumes in the air."

Responders speak

Emergency response teams quickly arrived at the scene. The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Thane Disaster Response Force (TDRF), Civil Defence Corps Maharashtra, and the local fire brigade were deployed. Additional vehicles and personnel from other fire departments also supported the local efforts.

Damage caused by the blast in the area

Bimal Nathwani from Civil Defence Corps Maharashtra said, "I live nearby. I heard the blast and saw the smoke. I immediately informed our control room and reached the site. I found out it was a boiler explosion in a chemical factory. The local fire brigade arrived soon after, followed by TDRF and NDRF teams."

He added, "I was the one to pull out the body of the 5th deceased. The blast was very intense, and there might be more people trapped inside, but their chances of survival are slim. As far as I know, 7 are dead and over 30 are injured."

KDMC Chief Fire Officer Namdeo Chaudhari said, "It will take more time to put out the fire. We had to use foam instead of water due to the chemical fire. Cooling operations will take longer, and then search and rescue operations will start."

Dnyaneshwar Munde, resident

An NDRF senior official said, "Considering the intensity of the blast, chances of finding more survivors are slim. Chemicals everywhere pose a safety hazard for rescue workers, so we use special gear. Our focus is to save as many as possible. The search and rescue operation will start on Thursday night after the fire is put out. Identifying the deceased is difficult due to severe burns."

2016
Year a similar blast had occurred in Dombivli