PHARMACEUTICAL PLANT FIRE- BHIWADI, RAJASTHAN - SEPTEMBER 2024

14th October 2024

The major incident unfolded at Vartika Chemicals and Pharmaceuticals Pvt Ltd, located in the Khushkhera Industrial Area of Bhiwadi, during the evening shift.

Fire department official Naresh Meena reported that an electrical short circuit sparked an explosion, which rapidly engulfed the entire premises.

"We received a distress call around 6:30pm," Meena stated. "Upon arrival, the fire had already spread extensively throughout the factory."

Despite the swift deployment of ten fire engines to the scene, four workers tragically perished in the inferno.

Described the harrowing conditions, Meena said: "The smoke was dense, causing several workers to faint and sustain burns. Compounding the tragedy, the factory's exits were congested and partially obstructed by the machinery, making rescue operations even more difficult."

Tijara deputy superintendent of police Shivraj commended the response from fire and rescue services: "Our teams, along with reinforcements from neighbouring fire stations, worked tirelessly for over one and a half hours to extinguish the blaze. The injured have been promptly admitted to hospitals in the area."