NEW DELHI: At least five workers were killed and six others injured after a reactor exploded during a hydrogenation process at a pharmaceutical manufacturing unit in Gujarat’s Bharuch district late on Friday (Oct 16) night.
Reports on Saturday (Oct 17) said a leak of methylene dichloride (MDC) gas following the explosion added to the impact of the incident.
According to the IANS report, the blast took place at SynZeal Pharmachem, located in the Saykha Gujarat Industrial Development Corporation (GIDC) estate in Vagra taluka. The explosion involved a 15-kilolitre reactor.
Blast sends debris across plant
The explosion was so powerful that debris from the reactor was thrown beyond the company premises.
Machinery parts and metal sheets were scattered across the plant following the blast, according to reports.
The reported gas leak further worsened the situation, leaving the area covered in dust and haze.
Workers and others present at the site complained of severe eye irritation.
The incident triggered panic across the industrial estate, prompting police and district officials to rush to the spot and begin rescue operations.
Injured taken to Bharuch, Vadodara hospitals
Six injured workers were taken to hospitals in Bharuch and Vadodara for treatment. The bodies of those killed in the explosion were shifted to Bharuch Civil Hospital.
Bharuch Sub-Divisional Magistrate Manisha Manani said the explosion occurred during the hydrogenation process.
Four of the deceased were reportedly identified as Jaideep Patel, 27, a shift in-charge from Vagra; Aniketkumar Harikishor, 24; Arjun Ramsingh Gautam, 20; and Vrund Talavia.
Authorities were still verifying the identity of the fifth victim.
Officials begin probe into explosion
Teams from the Gujarat Pollution Control Board (GPCB) and the Industrial Safety and Health Department reached the site and began investigating the explosion and the reported chemical leak.
Officials are examining what caused the reactor to explode and whether the unit was following the required industrial safety standards. The exact cause of the incident has not yet been established.
The investigation will also look into the extent of the chemical leak and whether any safety lapses contributed to the deaths and injuries.
Company had started operations less than a year ago
SynZeal Pharmachem had reportedly started operations at the Saykha GIDC estate less than a year ago. The company had begun its operations with 53 employees.
Authorities are expected to examine the plant’s safety measures and operating procedures as part of the investigation.
The findings will help establish the circumstances that led to the explosion and whether any violations contributed to the incident. - The Statesman/ANN
