Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai

Mumbai, Aug 31: Chain explosions of nitrogen gas cylinders at a chemical factory in Maharashtra's Dhule district killed 13 people while 58 are critically injured. The explosion happened on August 31 at around 9.45 am.

Initial investigations reveal that a leaking chemical from a barrel at the factory Rumit Chemsynth Pvt Ltd, caused fire which in-turn led to serial explosions. Around 100 people were working inside the factory during the time of the incident.

According to a senior police official, the blaze has been brought to control and teams of fire brigade, police, State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) are conducting the relief and rescue operations.

Rumit Chemsynth Pvt Ltd manufactures a chemical used for making medicines. Though initially everyone suspected that the boiler of the company had exploded, it was later found that presence of a number of nitrogen gas cylinders and barrels containing chemicals in the factory was the cause for the blasts.

The injured have been admitted at the Dhule Civil Hospital and Shirpur Cottage Hospital. All deceased have been identified. A contingent of Riot Control Police has been deployed at the spot along with local police personnel.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced Rs 5 lac as compensation to the families of those killed. Union Home Minister Amit Shah called Fadnavis to understand the situation.

He later took to twitter to express his grief.