Maharashtra: Dombivli Boiler Blast Toll Rises To 11, Chemical Company Owners Booked

A police case has been registered against the owners of Amber Chemical Company, where the incident took place.

Firemen douse a fire at a chemicals factory following a boiler blast that injured at least six workers, at Dombivli area of Thane district. ( Image Source :PTI )

Maharashtra News: In the latest developments in the Dombivli boiler blast incident, the number of deaths has increased to 11. On Thursday, Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde confirmed the death of eight people. According to ABP News sources, three bodies were discovered on Friday.

The incident took place at Amber Chemical Company in the Dombivli Industrial area. A police case has been registered against company owners Multi Mehta and Malay Mehta.

On Friday, cooling operations began at the spot in Dombivali where an incident occurred. Dattatray Shelke, fire officer, Kalyan Dombivli Municipal Corporation (KDMC) said, "There is a paint company just beside the premises. There is still a little fire there. Cooling operations are underway and 3 more bodies were recovered this morning." 

#WATCH | Dattatray Shelke, fire officer, Kalyan Dombivli Municipal Corporation (KDMC) says, "There is a paint company just beside the premises. There is still a little fire there. Cooling operations are underway and 3 more bodies were recovered this morning..." https://t.co/TcUELCgZcI pic.twitter.com/mmm1wjQRwr

— ANI (@ANI) May 24, 2024

Besides 11 deaths, over 50 people had sustained injuries due to the incident. As per reports, the fire brigade arrived promptly at the scene on Thursday to contain the flames.

On Thursday, several witnesses reported massive plumes of smoke billowing from the site, with the explosion's noise being hard up to 3km away, Hindustan Times reported. Factory workers quickly rushed to the spot. However, the fire spread to adjacent factories, necessitating a broader evacuation of the area. 

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister confirmed the rescue of at least eight persons and assured further assistance. "The incident of a boiler explosion at Amudhan Chemical Company in Dombivli MIDC is tragic," stated Fadnavis. "Eight people have been rescued... Teams of NDRF, TDRF, and fire brigade have been called". "I pray to God for the speedy recovery of the injured," he added. 

Approximately 15 fire engines have been deployed to combat the blaze. Officials estimated a duration of over four hours to fully extinguish the fire, NDTV reported. Preliminary reports suggest damage to several vehicles and houses. "We are awaiting the rescue of more individuals. The workers on the day shift were inside the factory when the explosion occurred. It is unknown how many people are trapped inside," Dr Nikhil Patil told NDTV. 

These Factories Should Be Given Alternate Space: Fadnavis

On Dombivali boiler blast | Maharashtra Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis said, "Any factory cannot be moved in a day. Discussions have been going on for a couple of years that these factories should be moved. Uddhav Thackeray has not done anything about this. Show me one proof that he has moved a file. But, I feel that these factories should be given an alternate space."

Nagpur | On Dombivali boiler blast | Maharashtra Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis says, "Any factory cannot be moved in a day. Discussions have been going on for a couple of years that these factories should be moved. Uddhav Thackeray has not done anything about this. Show me one… pic.twitter.com/i9DzWvABsl

— ANI (@ANI) May 24, 2024