At least 15 workers were feared killed and two others injured seriously in an explosion in a gelatin manufacturing factory in Nasik.
NASIK: At least 15 workers were feared killed and two others injured seriously in an explosion in a gelatin manufacturing factory in Nasik district early on Saturday, police said.
The blast occurred in Premier Exploer Chemical Company in Harsule village, about 35 km from here, at around 0200 hours and the three-storeyed building collapsed due to the impact of the explosion, they said.
Police have so far recovered two dead bodies from the debris. Two injured workers were admitted to Nasik Civil Hospital.
The factory operates in three shifts with 20 workers in each shift.
Top police officials have rushed to the spot and rescue work was in progress. Fire tenders from Nasik, Sinnar and Sangamner were also pressed into service.
It was not yet known what caused the explosion, police said.
The facility is engaged in producing 'power-90 improvised blasting solution', which is used in blasts for digging wells and road construction.
Ten huge machines and equal number of trucks have been pressed into service to remove debris as the blast led to total collapse of the factory, they said, adding Nikhil Gupta, Superintendent of Police and Distict Collector S Chockklingam
are spervising the rescue operation.
Maharashtra PWD Minister Chhagan Bhujbal visited the blast spot and announced compensation of Rs1 lakh each to the family of the deceased and Rs15,000 for the injured.
Another State Minister Patangrao Kadam also visited the site.
Talking to reporters, Bhujbal, who is also Nasik's Guardian Minister, said he has ordered a probe into the blast.
One TL Kalia is owner of the factory, which started operations in January this year.
Local villagers had initially opposed the setting of the factory engaged in sensitive work on safety grounds, but they dropped their opposition after the administration allayed their fears, sources said.
Premier Explochem is based in Andhra Pradesh's Karimnagar district. The factory, which is located in the industrial Sinnar area, has around 80 workers.
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
)
)
)
)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}