Smoke billows after a fire broke out due to a boiler blast in a chemicals factory, at Dombivli, in Thane district, Thursday, May 23, 2024. At least 8 people were killed and 60 others suffered injuries, according to officials. (PTI Photo)

Mumbai: At least six people were killed and 48 were injured in a massive blast in the boiler of a chemical company in the Dombivli area on Thursday. Officials of the Kalyan Dombivli Municipal Corporation (KDMC) said a massive blast occurred in the Amudan Chemicals Pvt Ltd in Dombivli East at around 1.30 pm. The sound of the blast was heard in a radius of of two kilometres and the windows of nearby houses in the building shattered by the impact of the explosion.

Officials said that rescue operations were still ongoing and they suspect a few more workers could be stuck inside.

Maharashtra deputy chief minister Devendra Fadnavis said, “Arrangements have been made for treatment of injured and more ambulances have been kept ready. I had a conversation with the Thane collector and they are also reaching on the spot...Teams of NDRF, TDRF, and fire brigade have been called.”

Confirming six deaths so far, Mr. Fadnavis said, “Unfortunately six lives were lost and 48 got injured. My deepest condolences to the families who lost their loved ones. Injured people are being treated at AIMS, Neptune and Global hospitals. The government is providing every kind of assistance. Various teams and administrative officials are at the spot for rescue operations.”

Fire officials said that a reactor in the chemical factory exploded around 1.40 pm and presence of chemicals led to two more explosions within the factory. Some witnesses claimed to have heard more than three back to back explosions. The entire area was covered with smog.

Industries Minister Uday Samant, local MP Shrikant Shinde and MLA Raju Patil also visited the Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC) area where the factory is located.

“Chief minister Eknath Shinde has announced that the government will bear the expenses of the treatment of the injured persons. The CM has also directed that the victims should be paid compensation within a week,” Samant said.