AHMEDABAD: 12 KILLED AS GODOWN COLLAPSES AFTER EXPLOSION IN CHEMICAL FACTORY

A fire broke out after a blast in an illegal chemical factory called Sahil Enterprise on Pirana-Piplaj Road Ahmedabad. Around 24 fire tenders were rushed to the spot. The blast affected nine surrounding godowns. While the roofs of 3-4 godowns, including the textile godown, collapsed. As many as 25 people were trapped in these nine godowns, out of which 12 died, including 6 men and 5 women.

Rescue operations are currently being carried out by the fire team. Attempts are being made by 24 teams of fire brigade to contain the fire. Currently injured are under treatment at the L G Hospital. An NDRF team has arrived to carry out the rescue operation. The team is rescuing with state-of-the-art equipment.

Expressing grief over the loss of lives in the fire incident, Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted: “Anguished by the loss of lives due to a fire in a godown in Ahmedabad. Condolences to the bereaved families. Prayers with the injured. Authorities are providing all possible assistance to the affected.”

Chief Minister Vijaybhai Rupani announced an assistance of Rs 4 lakh to the next of kin of those who lost their lives in this tragedy. He also asked the two senior officers to investigate the incident.

The local administration was lax over the tragedy. After PM Modi’s tweet, the system got active. Mayor Bijal Patel also got active after the PM’s tweet. Despite the deaths of nine people earlier, the Mayor didn’t even return to the L.G. hospital or the spot.

Chief Minister Vijay Rupani has expressed his condolences on the deaths. The State Government has appointed Vipul Mitra, Additional Chief Secretary, Labor and Employment and Sanjeev Kumar, Chairman, GPCB to investigate the fire accident.

According to the details, a fire broke out in the chemical factory of Nanubhai Estate after the blast. The blast affected nine nearby godowns and knocked down the roofs of three to four godowns. It has been found that the godown belongs to Batabhai Bharwad. He had rented it out. Police have also questioned the owner of the chemical godown.

A textile factory was adjacent to it where some people were doing packing work. The fire in the adjacent chemical factory engulfed the textile factory and the fire spread to the textile factory. The fire was caused by the cloth and people were severely burnt.