New Delhi: At least two people lost their lives and four others suffered serious injuries after an explosion at a firecracker manufacturing unit in Palghar district of Maharashtra on Tuesday, April 21, officials said.
The incident took place in Konsai village of Wada taluka around 12 pm. The unit operated from a tin shed inside an old farmhouse. Vivekanand Kadam, head of the civic disaster management cell, confirmed the details.
Blast during chemical process
Officials said around 35 workers were present at the time of the explosion. Most of them were women engaged in making twine bombs.
“The explosion took place when a chemical mixing process was underway, killing one worker on the spot, and leaving a woman with 90 per cent burn injuries,” an official from Wada police station said.
The injured woman later died in hospital. Four others sustained serious injuries and were taken to Wada Rural Hospital. Some were later shifted to Bhiwandi sub-district hospital and another facility for advanced care.
“Fire services and police reached the spot immediately to oversee rescue operations. The blaze following the explosion was quickly brought under control by the fire brigade,” the official said.
Victims identified, probe underway
Authorities identified the deceased as Bhavesh Dileep Vavare (35) and Monica Sachin Padvale (30). The injured include Monica Mahendra Jadhav (30), Jagruti Jagdish Gavate (27), Pratibha Pratap Pawar (30) and Monica Mohan Vardi (25).
Preliminary findings suggest that raw materials were sourced from outside. The unit began operations on April 10 and hired daily wage workers from nearby villages such as Jamghar, Konsai, Palsai and Alman.
Police have started an investigation to check whether the unit had proper licenses and followed safety rules.
“We are probing the exact cause of the fire and checking for any negligence regarding safety measures at the site,” the official said. A search is on for the owners of the unit.
The blast caused the shed to collapse and scattered debris across the area. Body parts of the victims were found at a distance and sent for post mortem.