One more labourer succumbs to burns in Aether fire accident

“One more has died in connection with the fire tragedy incident in Aether Industries. We are awaiting reports from FSL, GPCB, factory inspector and fire officials after which we will decide our future course of action,” said Sachin GIDC police inspector J R Chaudhary.

The five labourers whose condition are reported to be critical have been identified as Chitranjan Yadav (19), Balram Bega (30), Manoj Mukhiya (34), Narendra Pathak (36), and Munnalal Yadav (22) — all residents of Sachin GIDC.

The fire broke out after an explosion in the highly inflammable solvent tank of Aether Industries at Sachin GIDC early morning on November 29. The fire was brought under control only after continuous firing of foam.

Sources said more than 160 labourers were present at the factory when the fire broke out. A total of 27 labourers incurred minor to major burn injuries and were shifted to four different hospitals in the city. Two days later, bodies of seven missing labourers were found from the company premises.

The Sachin GIDC police has registered a case of accidental death and initiated a probe into the incident.

Meanwhile, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) and the National Green Tribunal have taken suo motu cognisance of the accident.