INDIA – Explosion at Jodhpur Chemical Factory Injures 14 Firefighters
Fourteen firefighters were injured when a chemical tank exploded while crews were tackling a fire at a factory in Jodhpur’s Basni Industrial Area on Wednesday 23rd September evening.
Eight of the firefighters reportedly suffered burns covering more than 50 per cent of their bodies. All 14 were taken for medical treatment, with the most seriously injured transferred to a specialist burn unit at Mahatma Gandhi Hospital (MGH).
The incident occurred at a chemical factory in Ganesh Colony, where firefighters had been responding to a blaze. Crews were working to bring the fire under control when a chemical tank inside the facility suddenly exploded.
The blast injured firefighters who were operating at the scene. Initial reports indicated that between 13 and 14 people had been injured, before Police Commissioner Anshuman Bhomia confirmed the final number as 14.
Injured firefighters transferred for specialist treatment
Following the explosion, the injured personnel were transported to AIIMS Jodhpur using fire engines and other vehicles available at the scene.
After receiving initial treatment at AIIMS, the firefighters were transferred to the burn unit at MGH for further specialist care.
Police Commissioner Bhomia said eight of the injured had sustained burns affecting more than half of their bodies. In response, MGH established a separate burn intensive care unit to treat the most seriously injured.
District Magistrate Alok Ranjan said medical teams were carrying out burn assessments and that the necessary facilities were being arranged for those requiring intensive treatment.
Explosion caused fire to flare up again
Fire crews had initially managed to bring the factory fire under control. However, the subsequent explosion caused the flames to reignite, prompting additional firefighting resources to be deployed.
A second fire brigade team was sent to the facility and continued operations to extinguish the remaining flames and secure the site.
Authorities investigating cause and safety measures
Police and district administration officials have launched an investigation into the incident.
Investigators are examining the chemicals stored at the facility, how they were being handled and whether the factory was operating in compliance with relevant safety regulations.
The factory operator will also be questioned as authorities seek to establish what caused the initial fire and why the chemical tank subsequently exploded.
If the investigation identifies breaches of safety requirements or negligence, authorities have said further action may be taken against those responsible.
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