Fire at chemical plant in Surat, 24 workers injured
The fire erupted at the manufacturing site of Aether Industries in the Sachin GIDC industrial area following an explosion in a large chemical storage tank.
3 min read
Fire broke out at Aether Industries in Surat. (Express photo by Hanif Malek) A major fire broke out at a chemical plant in Gujarat’s Surat city early Wednesday morning, injuring 24 workers, said officials. Three of the injured workers were admitted to a hospital in critical condition, they said.
According to officials, the blaze erupted at the manufacturing site of Aether Industries in the Sachin GIDC industrial area around 2 am following an explosion in a large chemical storage tank.
Fire brigade teams from Sachin, Udhna and Majura rushed to the spot after the fire was reported. As per chief fire officer Basant Pareek, the blast took place in a chemical storage tank that contained the flammable chemical material Tetrahydrofuran and the fire spread to different areas in the unit.
A total of 11 fire tenders reached the spot to douse the fire. “We have brought the fire under control by splashing water mixed with chemical foam. Presently, cooling activities in the company are in progress,” said Pareek.
When the fire broke out, around 150 labourers were present on the night shift and the 24 who suffered various degrees of burn injuries were immediately shifted to Sanjeevani Hospital in Sachin GIDC. From there, the critically injured victims were shifted to Maitri, New Civil and Apple hospitals.
The police, forensic officials, and Gujarat Pollution Control Board (GPCB) factory inspector are on the spot investigating the incident.
Sachin GIDC police inspector J R Chaudhary said, “We have noted the incident in the police diary and once the GPCB and forensic officials finish their investigations and based on their findings, we will start investigations into the case.”
Sources said the building’s structure became weak due to the fire, making it difficult for people to enter inside.
The company owner, Ashwin Desai, reached the spot early on Wednesday morning. One of his sons, Rohan Desai, who was in Delhi, immediately flew to Vadodara and also reached the factory in the morning.
Sources said the company, founded by Deasi in 2013, manufacturers chemical compound products like intermediates. It supplies these to agrochemical, pharmaceutical and oil and gas industries. The company is listed on the national stock exchange and has customers worldwide.
As per Forbes Billionaires 2023, Ashwin Desai’s net worth is $1.2 billion, and he is ranked 2259 among the wealthiest people in the world.
You May Like
