Inferno Strikes Soap Manufacturing Facility in Rajkot, Firefighter Injured During Rescue
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Synopsis
A fire erupted at a soap factory in Rajkot's Navagam area, leading to an extensive firefighting operation by the Rajkot Fire and Emergency Services. One firefighter sustained an injury, prompting an investigation into the incident. The event underscores ongoing industrial safety concerns in Gujarat, as similar incidents have occurred in recent years.
Key Takeaways
- Fire broke out at J&K Cottage Industries in Rajkot.
- One firefighter was injured during the rescue operation.
- Emergency services took three hours to extinguish the blaze.
- Investigation launched to determine fire's cause.
- Rising industrial fire incidents highlight safety concerns in Gujarat.
Rajkot, April 1 (NationPress) The Navagam region of Rajkot experienced a devastating fire on Tuesday as flames erupted at a soap and phenyl production facility, prompting a swift response from the Rajkot Fire and Emergency Services (RFES).
The blaze originated at J&K Cottage Industries, according to officials. Initially, two fire engines were sent to the scene, but as the situation worsened, an additional four engines were mobilized to control the inferno.
During the firefighting efforts, firefighter Vijay Jesar sustained a fracture in his right leg and was promptly transported to a local hospital for treatment.
It took nearly three hours for the emergency teams to extinguish the flames and secure the area, as reported by Acting Deputy Chief Fire Officer Ashoksinh Zala.
Authorities have commenced an investigation to ascertain the cause of the fire.
Gujarat has seen a series of significant industrial fire incidents in recent years, raising alarms about industrial safety in the region.
In November 2024, a fire at the Indian Oil Corporation's refinery in Gujarat resulted in two fatalities and two injuries. The fire ignited in a benzene storage tank and spread to a neighboring tank.
Despite the seriousness of the incident, refinery operations continued without interruption.
Earlier, in June 2022, a major fire erupted at a chemical manufacturing plant operated by Deepak Nitrite in the Nandesari industrial zone near Vadodara.
Seven workers were hospitalized due to smoke inhalation, and around 700 residents from nearby areas were evacuated as a safety precaution.
In December 2020, a destructive fire occurred at a chemical factory in Vatva GIDC, resulting in multiple explosions and damaging four industrial units. Fortunately, there were no casualties, but the event led to the closure of the affected units and a review of safety compliance.
Another tragic incident transpired in June 2020 when an explosion at Yashashvi Rasayan Pvt. Ltd. in Dahej led to five fatalities and 57 injuries.
The explosion was so powerful that it caused significant damage to the facility and raised serious concerns regarding industrial safety standards.
