Blast at chemical company in Dahej kills 8, injures 52

BHARUCH/SURAT: At least eight persons died and 52 suffered burn injuries in a massive explosion in a chemical company located in Dahej special economic zone (SEZ) in Bharuch district on Wednesday.


Preliminary investigation suggested that there was a fire in one of the tanks containing ortho dicholorobenzene (ODCD) at the solvent tank farm of Yashasvi Rasayan Pvt Ltd, which led to the blast.

N P Vaghela, deputy director, industrial safety & health department, Bharuch, said, “It looks like the blast happened because of excess pressure in the tank. Some of the plants in the factory were gutted. We have initiated a detailed investigation to identify the exact cause of the accident.”

Out of the eight dead, bodies of two workers were charred beyond recognition. The condition of eight is said to be critical, added Vaghela.

Nearly 15 fire tenders battled for nearly five hours to douse the flames. Bharuch collector Dr M D Modiya said 4,800 people from two villages - Luwara and Lakhigam - located close to the unit - were shifted to multi-purpose centres as a precautionary measure.

Yashasvi Rasayan, which makes herbicides, has been operating in the SEZ for the last nearly six years.

Panic gripped the area as the explosion was heard in a vicinity of at least 20 km and thick black plumes of smoke were visible from long distances. In fact, the blast was heard in Kuda and Ghogha villages of Bhavnagar too. Dahej and Ghogha are separated by a distance of just about 30 km by Gulf of Khambhat. Sources said window panes of some factories, private cars and buses were also shattered due to the explosion.

GPCB officials said there was a major risk had the fire spread to hydrogen, sulphur dioxide, xylene and ethanol storages in the tank farm. AV Shah, member secretary, GPCB, told TOI: "The emission of volatile organic compounds was much above threshold levels initially, but it was under control by evening. We are constantly in touch with the district authorities and sought a detailed report.”

Shah said there was no threat to people but they were evacuated as a precautionary measure.

Falgun Modi, regional officer, GPCB, said, " The sheds and structures of neighbouring units were damaged due to the explosion. We have submitted our report to the head office for further action and a closure notice has been issued to the company.

Yogesh Patel, a senior executive with a unit adjacent to the company, said, " The blast was deafening. First ,we thought it was the effect of the cyclone as window glasses of buildings, cars and buses got shattered. We saw several workers coming out from the plant in injured condition.”

Meanwhile, senior Congress leader Ahmed Patel said there has been a rise in the number of industrial accidents in Bharuch district which has claimed many lives. “The state government should ensure that factories adhere strictly to safety norms and a regular safety audit is done,” he said.