Thane, Maharashtra, a chemical factory explosion on Thursday resulted in a tragic toll of at least 10 fatalities and 64 injuries. The incident, caused by a boiler explosion, caused severe damage to the facility and surrounding residences.
Authorities have taken legal action against the plant owners, suspecting negligence in the handling of compounds that led to the explosion. Media reports suggest that proper precautions were not taken during the mixing and storage of chemicals, increasing the risk of such a catastrophe.
The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) revealed that the factory specialized in producing food dyes and utilized chemicals like peroxide, known for its violent reactions with certain materials and fuels. Rescue efforts were hindered by extensive debris, making it challenging to access and identify victims.
Administrative officer Sachin Shejal disclosed that two of the deceased have been identified, while the remaining seven individuals succumbed to severe burns. Shejal noted the difficulty in identifying the victims and emphasized the importance of providing DNA samples from families to aid in the identification process.
Tragic incidents like the one in Thane, Maharashtra, underscore the ongoing challenges faced in India regarding infrastructure, maintenance issues, corruption, and illegal practices in the construction industry. These factors often contribute to preventable accidents that result in loss of life and extensive damage.
Authorities continue to investigate the root causes of the explosion and work towards ensuring accountability for the safety lapses that led to this devastating event. The community mourns the loss of lives and grapples with the aftermath of this tragic incident, while efforts are made to provide support to those affected by the explosion in Thane, Maharashtra.