Five workers were killed and five others injured after a powerful explosion ripped through SynZeal Pharmachem’s chemical manufacturing facility in Bharuch district, Gujarat, on Friday night, October 16. The blast occurred around 10 pm at the company’s plant in the Saykha industrial area of Vagra taluka, triggering an emergency response and prompting authorities to order the suspension of operations at the facility.
Explosion During Chemical Processing
According to reports citing officials, the explosion occurred during a hydrogenation process at the plant. The force of the blast reportedly tore apart a reactor and scattered machinery parts across the premises. Reports also mentioned a leak of methylene dichloride (MDC), although the full extent of the leak has not been independently established.
The explosion was reportedly powerful enough to be heard several kilometres away. Emergency teams and local authorities reached the site to assist the injured and assess the damage.
Five Workers Identified Among the Dead
The five deceased workers were identified as Jaydeep Maheshbhai Patel, Bhavik Dilipkumar Vasava, Vrund Talaviya, Aniket Harilal Gautam and Arjunkumar Ramsingh Gautam.
According to reports citing police officials, Patel and Vasava were from Amod in Gujarat, while Talaviya was from Talala in Gir Somnath district. Gautam and Arjunkumar Gautam were residents of Uttar Pradesh.
Five other workers sustained injuries and were taken for medical treatment. Some media reports gave a different injury count, and an updated official figure remains necessary to resolve the discrepancy.
Factory Ordered to Suspend Operations
Following the incident, the Bharuch district administration directed the company to suspend operations with immediate effect, pending further action.
Police, industrial safety officials and other authorities reached the facility as investigations began. The Directorate of Industrial Safety and Health and the Gujarat Pollution Control Board were also reported to be involved in examining the incident.
Cause of Blast Under Investigation
Investigators are examining the circumstances surrounding the explosion, including the chemical processing operations underway at the time and compliance with industrial safety requirements. The precise cause has not yet been conclusively established.
The incident has once again drawn attention to industrial safety in Gujarat’s chemical manufacturing sector. Further investigation findings are expected to clarify what triggered the explosion and whether any safety lapses contributed to the deaths and injuries.