Seven killed in chemical factory fire in Rajasthan's Bhiwadi, two trapped inside

A firefighter tries to douse a fire at a chemical factory at the Khushkhera-Karouli Industrial Area, in Bhiwadi, Rajasthan. Pic/PTI

Seven people were burnt alive in an illegal firecracker-manufacturing factory in the Bhiwadi town of Rajasthan's Khairthal-Tijara district on Monday, officials said.

"Seven persons have died in the incident. It was a garment factory but firecrackers were being manufactured inside it illegally," Sumitra Pareek, Additional District Magistrate, said. She said that two people were trapped in the factory.

The incident occurred in the Khushkhera-Karoli industrial area in Bhiwadi.

"The premises was leased out in the name of a garment factory but as per the preliminary report, firecrackers were being manufactured illegally," she said.

She said that the police came to know about the incident during a routine patrol, following which a rescue operation was launched immediately.

District Collector Artika Shukla and other senior district administration and police officials rushed to the spot.

Shukla ordered an inquiry in the matter.

As per the preliminary report, there were more than 20 people inside the factory. As soon as the fire broke out, many workers managed to come out, while nine were trapped.

Seven of them were burnt alive. The fire was brought under control after more than one-and-a-half hour. Some skeletons were also recovered.

CM Bhajanlal Sharma instructed district administrations to carry out relief and rescue work immediately. He directed Forest Minister Sanjay Sharma to reach Alwar.

Congress state president Govind Singh Dotasra said that it was an unfortunate incident and demanded an investigation in the matter.

Former CM Ashok Gehlot and Leader of Opposition Tikaram Jully also expressed condolences on the death of seven labourers.

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