Surat Chemical Warehouse Fire Triggers Explosions, No Injuries Reported
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Surat, March 11 (NationPress) - A significant inferno erupted at a chemical warehouse in the Sachin industrial zone of Surat on Wednesday, resulting in a chain of explosions and prompting a substantial emergency response, according to officials.
The fire ignited at a facility owned by Aether Industries, situated in the Hoziwala compound within Sachin GIDC, where a large stockpile of chemicals was allegedly stored.
Initial reports suggest that multiple chemical drums ignited, causing recurrent explosions throughout the premises.
Authorities indicated that over 20 explosions were documented as the fire grew, with additional blasts occurring as chemical containers burst due to intense heat.
The blasts were powerful enough to inflict damage on nearby buildings.
Following the explosions, a one- to two-story structure collapsed, and tin-shed warehouses in the vicinity also ignited.
The flames extended to adjacent units, including Geeta Timber Plywood and Shakti Plywood.
Geeta Timber Plywood was reported to have been entirely consumed by the flames.
The explosions shattered windows in nearby buildings and harmed goods stored in the surrounding areas.
Thick, black smoke rising from the site was visible from several kilometers away, with some local residents claiming it could be seen from as far as 5 kilometers.
Workers and residents nearby quickly evacuated as the blasts reverberated across the industrial estate.
The fire department declared a "major call" after evaluating the magnitude of the incident.
More than 15 fire brigade vehicles from various stations were dispatched to the scene, along with teams from the Sachin Notified Area and other nearby fire stations.
Firefighters continued their efforts to extinguish the flames and take measures to prevent further spread on the chemical-laden premises, which officials noted made firefighting operations particularly daunting.
The police promptly secured the area. A precautionary cordon of approximately one kilometer was established.
According to officials, despite the vastness of the fire and the series of explosions, no casualties have been reported thus far.
Firefighting operations are ongoing as efforts are made to fully control the inferno.
The precise cause of the fire remains undetermined, with an investigation anticipated once conditions are stable.
Officials stated that the incident may have led to substantial damage to goods stored in the affected warehouses and adjacent industrial facilities.