A devastating fire broke out at a chemical factory in the Bhiwadi region of Khairthal-Tijara district, Rajasthan, on Monday morning, resulting in the death of seven workers, while according to official reports, the incident took place at approximately 9:30 AM in the Khushkhera Karauli Industrial Area. At the time of the outbreak, around 25 laborers were reportedly working inside the premises. Local authorities and emergency services reached the spot immediately after the fire was reported to initiate containment and rescue measures.
Casualties and Ongoing Rescue Operations
ADM Sumita Mishra confirmed that the police discovered the fire during a routine patrol and alerted the fire department. Initial assessments indicated that nine individuals were trapped inside the facility, while so far, the bodies of seven victims have been recovered from the site. Search operations are still in progress to locate the two workers who remain missing. The intensity of the fire caused significant damage to the structure, complicating the efforts of the rescue teams as they navigate through the debris.
Firefighting Efforts and Containment Measures
Fire tenders from the Khushkhera fire station and the Bhiwadi RIICO station were dispatched to the scene to battle the blaze. Due to the presence of volatile chemicals, the fire spread rapidly throughout the factory building. 5 hours of continuous effort to bring the flames under control. While the main fire has been extinguished, cooling operations are ongoing to prevent any reignition and to allow rescue personnel safe access to all sections of the factory.
Administrative Response and Site Inspection
Tijara DSP Shivraj Singh is currently supervising the operations at the site, with the Bhiwadi SP and ADM also arriving to oversee the situation. The police have cordoned off the area to facilitate the movement of emergency vehicles. Officials stated that the primary focus is on completing the search for the missing individuals and identifying the deceased. Medical teams and ambulances have been stationed at the site to provide immediate assistance as required by the rescue personnel or survivors.
Investigation into Industrial Safety Compliance
Following the incident in the Khushkhera Karauli Industrial Area, authorities have initiated a preliminary investigation into the cause of the fire. The investigation will also cover whether the factory adhered to mandatory industrial safety protocols and if functional fire-extinguishing equipment was available on the premises, while the bodies of the deceased have been shifted to the local hospital mortuary for post-mortem examinations. The district administration is coordinating with factory management to verify the attendance records of the workers present during the shift.