Dombivli, Maharashtra – A catastrophic boiler explosion at a chemical factory in the MIDC area of Dombivli, near Mumbai, has claimed the lives of seven people and left 48 injured on Thursday. The incident, occurring at Amber Chemical Company in Phase 2 of the Dombivli MIDC area, triggered a massive fire that has spread to three adjacent factories.
Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis confirmed the fatalities, stating, “Six people have been killed and 48 injured in the fire that broke out in Dombivli, near Mumbai. NDRF, SDRF, and TDRF teams are working together to control the fire and prevent it from spreading further.”
The explosion, which took place around 1:30 PM, was powerful enough to cause vibrations felt within a 5 km radius, according to Civil Defence Officer Bimal Nathwani. “The building I was in, 1.5 km away, shook… We have recovered seven bodies,” Nathwani reported.
Eyewitnesses described the blast as loud enough to be heard from a kilometre away, causing significant damage to nearby buildings, with glass windows shattered and houses affected.
Injured workers were immediately transported to a local hospital for treatment. The Thane civic body’s Disaster Management Cell chief, Yasin Tadvi, noted that the explosion occurred at approximately 1:40 PM, resulting in thick plumes of smoke and fire visible from a considerable distance.
Fadnavis also addressed the public on the microblogging site X, describing the incident as tragic and announcing the suspension of eight individuals. “Arrangements have been made to treat the injured, and additional ambulances are on standby. I have spoken with the Collector, who is en route to the site. Teams from NDRF, TDRF, and the fire brigade have been deployed,” he stated.
Efforts to control the blaze continue, with teams from the Regional Disaster Management Cell and 13 jawans from the Thane Disaster Response Force actively working on the scene. PTI reports ongoing efforts to bring the situation under control.
