Massive explosion at company in Pune; 2 dead, 5 injured

According to the fire brigade, the blast was reported at Specific Alloys Private Limited at Solu in Khed taluka of Pune district around 5 pm.

After receiving information, fire brigade teams from the Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA), Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation and Alandi Municipal Council rushed to the spot.

One dead, 7 injured after electricity transformer explodes near Pune’s Alandihttps://t.co/bChoyn1k40 pic.twitter.com/xFpAbceh1u

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Police said a huge explosion at the company located near a residential area having houses and shops caused a loud noise, causing panic among residents. The impact was such that sparks from the explosion fell over a 100-metre area, injuring people and animals and damaging property. Some of the houses near the company also caught fire.

About seven persons who were present near the company at the time of the explosion suffered burns. They were taken to Sassoon hospital. One of them was pronounced dead by doctors. Another victim succumbed to injuries later. The process of identification of the deceased was on, police said.

Initially, it was suspected that an electricity transformer near the company had exploded. However, when Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (MSEDCL) engineers Vijay Gargote and Sandip Kurhade checked the transformer, it was found to be in good condition.

“MSEDCL transformer did not explode. A wall at the spot had collapsed over the transformer due to the explosion. Due to it the electric poles of the transformer got damaged. Electricity was being supplied to only one customer through this transformer. But due to non-payment of bills, the power supply from the transformer was disconnected six months ago. MSEDCL transformer did not cause the fire at Solu village,” stated a press release issued by MSEDCL.

PMRDA fire officer Vijay Mahajan said, “The company is spread over three acres. Police team has reached the spot. Forensic experts have collected samples for examination to ascertain the cause of the explosion.”

Deputy Commissioner of Police Shivaji Pawar said, “The company is currently not functional. Prima-facie, it is known that the company has been a non-performing asset (NPA) for the last four years. A probe is on to know the cause behind the explosion.”

Police suspect chemicals inside the company likely caught fire leading to the explosion. But investigation is on to ascertain the exact cause, said a senior police officer.