Blast in Tarapur pharma firm kills 2, injures 3

Series of blasts in the chemical reactors of a pharmaceutical company at Tarapur killed two persons and critically injured three on Wednesday morning. The Boisar MIDC police arrested two company officials on charges of negligence, and also named one of the deceased, the company supervisor, in the case.

On Wednesday morning, blasts in the chemical reactors of JPN Pharma in Boisar led to the death of company supervisor Pravin Bhandikare, 26, and worker Rajesh Bunkar, 22. Three others have been admitted at Vikas hospital with severe burns. The impact of the blast was heard in the periphery of villages located almost 5 kms from the mishap spot.

"We have arrested the company manager Pradeep Panda and deputy manager Sadanand Lohar and have booked the deceased supervisor of the company under section 304 (A) (causing death by negligence), 337 (causing hurt by an act endangering life or personal safety of others), 287 (negligent conduct with respect to machinery) of the Indian Penal Code and are investigating further," said SK Pote, investigation officer, Boisar MIDC police station.