Raigad pharm factory blast: Death toll rises to eight; search op continues
Mumbai, November 4: The death toll in the Raigad pharm factory blast has risen to eight while search operations continue to locate other missing persons.
Earlier, seven bodies were recovered after a massive fire broke out at a pharma company in Raigad late Friday evening. The explosion took place at Blue Jet Healthcare in Mahad. Over 40 workers were reportedly on duty when the incident occurred. The explosion triggered a fire, leading to the explosion of chemical barrels at the site.
The explosion created a deafening blast, and thick, dark smoke emerged from BlueJet Healthcare Ltd. factory premises, as reported by an official from the Mahad MIDC police station. First responders, including at least four fire engines, police teams, and local volunteers, rushed to the scene to combat the blaze and rescue at least five injured victims.
Maharashtra | Three bodies recovered from Blue Jet Healthcare at Mahad MIDC in Raigad district where an explosion occurred last night. NDRF team reached there last and is continuing the rescue operation.
(Pics: NDRF) pic.twitter.com/6VdsEVPp5i — ANI (@ANI) November 4, 2023
Preliminary reports suggest that a suspected gas leak may have been the cause of the explosion and subsequent fire, which quickly spread to other units within the factory premises, causing chaos. Among the injured individuals, two are in stable condition, while three others are in critical condition and receiving treatment at Mahad rural hospital.
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- With inputs from agencies