Tragic Boiler Explosion at Dombivli Chemical Factory: 4 Dead, 30+ Injured

 

A tragic boiler explosion rocked a chemical factory in Dombivli, Thane district, Maharashtra, resulting in the deaths of at least four people and injuring over 30 others. The blast occurred on Thursday, setting off a major fire, officials reported.

The incident unfolded at a factory in Phase 2 of the Dombivli MIDC (Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation) complex. Initial reports suggest that four boilers at the Amber Chemical Company exploded, sparking a massive blaze. This intense fire caused chemical drums to burst, shattering the windows of nearby homes. An eyewitness described the explosion as extremely loud, audible from a kilometer away. The blast also caused cracks in the glass windows of a nearby building and damaged several surrounding houses.

Injured workers were quickly taken to a local hospital, according to a civic official. Yasin Tadvi, head of the Disaster Management Cell of the Thane civic body, confirmed that the explosion occurred around 1:40 PM at the chemical factory.

The explosion-induced fire rapidly spread to three neighboring factories, sending thick smoke and flames into the air, visible from a distance. A brigade call was issued, and eight fire engines were dispatched to the scene to battle the blaze.

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis expressed his sorrow over the tragedy and confirmed that eight individuals trapped on the premises had been rescued. "Arrangements have been made to treat the injured, and more ambulances are on standby. I have coordinated with the Thane collector, and they are also on-site. Teams from the NDRF, TDRF, and the fire brigade have been summoned," he wrote on X.

Emergency response teams, including personnel from the Thane civic body’s Regional Disaster Management Cell and 13 members of the Thane Disaster Response Force, have arrived at the scene. Efforts to control the blaze are ongoing.

Ravindra Chavan, Maharashtra’s Minister of Public Works (Excluding Public Undertakings), expressed his condolences and urged local residents to stay calm. He assured the public that the administration is actively managing the firefighting operations and that a thorough investigation will be conducted. Strict action will be taken against those found responsible for the incident.