At least two workers were killed and 25 others injured after a boiler exploded at a pharmaceutical plant in Bharuch district’s Saykha GIDC around 3 am on Wednesday. One more person is feared dead as rescue teams continue to search the debris.
The blast occurred in the boiler of a solvent plant owned by Vishal Pharma in Vagra taluka, leading to the collapse of the building and damage to nearby factories. Several workers from adjoining units were also injured.
Bharuch District Collector Gaurang Makwana said, “The blast was so powerful that the entire building collapsed and adjoining factories were affected. Two bodies have been recovered, and a search is on for one more. Most of the injured are workers from nearby units.”Police and fire officials brought the fire under control after several hours.
District SP Akshay Raj said rescue and forensic teams began operations after the fire cooled down, adding that evidence is being collected to determine the cause of the explosion.
Meanwhile, Saykha village sarpanch Jaiveersinh alleged that Vishal Pharma was operating without necessary permits from the Gujarat Pollution Control Board (GPCB) and demanded a thorough probe. He also raised concerns about poor safety standards and narrow access roads in the GIDC area, calling it a “ticking bomb” for nearby residents