Two explosions in India leave at least eleven dead and dozens injured | Economy

A massive explosion followed by a huge fire – apparently caused by a boiler explosion – destroyed the Amudan Chemicals factory in Dombivli on the outskirts of Mumbai, India, on the afternoon of May 23. At least ten people were killed and 68 injured.

“All the workers in the immediate vicinity of the accident epicentre were (instantly dead), only a large crater is still there, all the workers are dead,” said Sachin Shejal of the Kalyan Dombivli Municipal Corporation (KDMC). KDMC health officer Deepa Shukla said 10 deaths were confirmed and the recovered remains would be sent for DNA analysis for further identification and confirmation.

Most of the injured worked in other factories nearby. There are about 100 chemical plants in the entire industrial area where the incident occurred. According to Maharashtra Industries Directory, the company produces methyl ethyl ketone peroxide, aluminum isopropoxide and organic peroxides. No incidents have been reported at this factory so far.

The company owners were arrested by the police and charged with criminal offences – including intentional killing, intentional assault and reckless handling of combustible substances – as well as violations of India’s Explosive Substances Act and the Criminal Damage Act. While police teams are investigating, local police claim that proper precautions were not taken during processing and storage of the raw materials and final products, leading to chemical explosions.

Maharashtra state Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has ordered a high-level inquiry and announced compensation of 500,000 rupees (£4,700) to the families of the deceased. The state government will bear the medical costs of the injured and the company will be required to pay further compensation, he confirmed.

Worker missing after explosives explosion

A second, unrelated explosion occurred on May 25 at a Special Blasts explosives factory in Bemetra, Chhattisgarh state. One worker was declared dead, seven others were injured and several others are still missing. Local media reports show a 10-meter-deep crater left by the explosion. Recovery efforts have been hampered by the risks of the explosives stockpiles stored at the site.

Injured workers complained of lack of safety measures at the factory and absence of firefighters. Angry villagers, workers and the families of some of the missing began protesting outside the factory, demanding official confirmation of the deaths of the missing workers and compensation of Rs 5.5 million to the families of the dead. District Judge Ranbir Sharma said the company has been directed to pay Rs 500,000 to the families of eight missing workers, plus another Rs 500,000 once deaths are confirmed. The state has also promised Rs 50,000 as well as free treatment to the injured.