Boiler Explosion at Gujarat Pharma Factory Kills Two Workers, Injures Over 20 in Bharuch’s Saykha GIDC

The boiler explosion at Gujarat pharma factory in Bharuch’s Saykha GIDC industrial area early Wednesday left at least two workers dead and more than 20 injured, sparking major concern over industrial safety standards in the region.

According to officials, the incident occurred around 2:30 am at Vishal Pharma’s solvent plant located within the Saykha GIDC estate. The explosion was so intense that it triggered a massive fire, leading to the collapse of the factory structure and damage to nearby industrial units.

Massive Blast and Rescue Operations

Eyewitnesses reported that the impact of the blast was felt across several kilometres, with glass panels and metal sheets shattered in four to five adjoining factories. The explosion sent shockwaves across the industrial belt, causing panic among workers and nearby residents.

Bharuch District Collector Gaurang Makwana confirmed the casualties, stating,

“The intensity of the blast was so severe that the factory’s structure collapsed. While most workers managed to escape, two were trapped under debris and lost their lives. Around 20 others sustained injuries while trying to flee the site.”

Firefighters, police, and disaster response teams worked throughout the night to douse the flames and locate any missing workers. Mahesh K. Chuna, Fire Fighter with Nagar Palika, Bharuch, said, “We received the fire call around 2:45 am. It took nearly five hours to control the blaze and recover the bodies.”

Officials from the Directorate of Industrial Safety and Health (DISH) and forensic experts have initiated a joint investigation to identify the cause of the explosion and determine whether safety protocols were followed.

Preliminary Findings and Possible Causes

Early reports indicate that the blast occurred during toluene operations inside the solvent section of the factory. Industrial Safety Officer Dinesh Gamit stated that nearly three tonnes of toluene were being handled at the time of the explosion. “We are investigating whether overheating, pressure buildup, or equipment malfunction caused the blast,” he said.

The factory was reportedly handling hazardous materials, and officials are now verifying whether it had valid permissions and safety compliance certificates from the Gujarat Pollution Control Board (GPCB).

Wider Damage and Safety Concerns

The explosion not only caused casualties within Vishal Pharma but also injured several workers employed in nearby units. Around 25 people suffered burns and minor injuries, and many were treated at local hospitals.

District Superintendent of Police Akshay Raj said rescue efforts were delayed initially due to extreme heat and smoke. “Our teams could not enter the premises until the fire was completely cooled. Forensic teams are now collecting evidence to ascertain the root cause,” he added.

Local leaders have raised serious questions about the industrial safety norms in the Saykha GIDC area. Sarpanch Jaiveersinh of Saykha village alleged that several factories in the area are operating without valid environmental and safety permits. He demanded strict government action, claiming that narrow roads and haphazard construction are making rescue operations extremely difficult during emergencies.

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Government and Administrative Response

Authorities have assured that a detailed safety audit will be conducted for all chemical and pharmaceutical factories in the region. District Collector Makwana confirmed that an inquiry team has been formed to examine whether Vishal Pharma had adequate fire safety measures, pressure control systems, and proper hazardous waste handling protocols.

The Gujarat government has also instructed the Bharuch administration to submit a comprehensive report within a week. Officials said compensation for the victims’ families will be announced after the investigation concludes.

The tragic boiler explosion at Gujarat pharma factory has once again highlighted the urgent need for stricter industrial safety checks in high-risk chemical zones like Saykha GIDC. As rescue teams continue clearing debris and investigators gather evidence, families of the victims await accountability and stronger preventive action to avoid another such disaster in Gujarat’s industrial corridors.