Boiler explodes in Dombivli MIDC; 6 people killed, 50 injured
Dombivli (Maharashtra) – A major blast of a boiler took place at 1 p.m. on 23rd May in Amber Chemical Company at Sonarpada in the MIDC area of Dombivli. Following this, a few small blasts were also heard. 6 people died and 50 people were injured in this explosion. Huge plumes of smoke were seen as the sound of the explosion reportedly reached as far as 3km away from the blast site. Firefighting attempts went on for hours. Following this incident, Chief Minister Eknath Shinde said that they are going to shift the chemical companies in Dombivli to Ambernath. The intensity of these blasts was such that the windows of the surrounding buildings and cars parked on the road were broken. These blasts released large amounts of ash and large iron particles all over the road.
There was chaos among motorists as ash fell on vehicles. Some pedestrians were also covered in ash. The blast caused flames and plumes of smoke in the air. Everyone seemed to be running for their lives.
Some parents were walking down the street with their children. Due to an explosion, the children started crying loudly in fear.
Pieces of the boiler flew to a distance of 1.5 km, while the glass of all the surrounding buildings broke: Local witness
There is no glass left in the building of any society in the surrounding area. Many people have been injured. Pieces of the boiler flew over a distance of 1.5 km. Some cars also got crushed as these pieces fell on them.
Saw 20 to 25 injured people running: Mandar Halbe, Ex-corporator
We saw about 20 to 25 injured people running. The chemical drums kept in the facility were exploding for some time even after the huge blast. Firefighters could not enter due to heavy smoke coming out.
Dombivli blasts are tragic: Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis
The Dombivli blast incident is tragic. Eight people, who were trapped on the premises, have been rescued. Arrangements have been made to treat the injured and more ambulances have been kept ready. I have discussed the incident with Thane Collector. I pray to God for the speedy recovery of the injured.
Did the MIDC conduct a fire audit ? : MLA Jitendra Awhad
Did MIDC conduct a fire audit ? Because this department of the Maharashtra Government does not conduct fire audits. There was a blast here a few years ago too. What measures were taken on it ? How many companies have MIDC conducted fire audits of ? The government should release a white paper with this information.
Will discuss with the Chief Minister about moving the establishments that produce hazardous chemicals out of the city: MP Shrikant Shinde
We have spoken to the Collector. The local citizens are demanding that the companies producing hazardous chemicals should be moved out of the city. We will discuss this with Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Industries Minister Uday Samant and take a decision next week. In the next 6 months, we will focus on shifting the companies that produce hazardous chemicals out of the city.
The government will bear the expenses for the treatment of the injured: Industry Minister
Industries Minister Uday Samant visited the blast site and reviewed the relief work. At that time, he promised that the entire cost of the treatment of the injured would be borne by the Government, and a complete investigation of the incident would be carried out.