7 killed in Rajasthan chemical factory fire, 2 workers trapped
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Jaipur: Seven people were burnt alive in an illegal firecracker-manufacturing factory in Bhiwadi, Rajasthan’s Khairthal-Tijara district on Monday, officials said, while two others remain trapped inside.
“The premises was leased as a garment factory, but preliminary reports indicate firecrackers were being manufactured illegally,” said Sumitra Pareek, Additional District Magistrate. The incident occurred in the Khushkhera-Karoli industrial area.
According to officials, more than 20 people were inside the factory when the fire broke out. Many managed to escape, but nine were trapped, of whom seven were killed. Rescue operations were launched immediately after police discovered the fire during a routine patrol. The blaze was brought under control after more than one-and-a-half hours, and some skeletons were recovered.
District Collector Artika Shukla and senior administration and police officials rushed to the site. Shukla has ordered an inquiry into the incident.
Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma instructed district administrations to carry out immediate relief and rescue operations and directed Forest Minister Sanjay Sharma to reach Alwar.
Congress state president Govind Singh Dotasra called it an unfortunate incident and demanded a thorough investigation. Former Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot and Leader of Opposition Tikaram Jully also expressed condolences over the deaths of the seven labourers.
With PTI inputs
