One killed, three injured after blast in chemical tank at Naroda factory

Ahmedabad: One person was killed and three others were injured after a powerful blast at a chemical manufacturing unit in the Naroda GIDC industrial area in Ahmedabad on Friday afternoon.

The explosion occurred at MNS Intermediates, located in Naroda GIDC Phase III. The deceased was identified as Jayanti (last name not known), a worker at the factory.

According to police, initially four workers sustained injuries due to the blast and were rushed to the hospital. Jayanti later succumbed to his injuries during treatment.

Deputy commissioner of police (Zone IV) Atul Bansal said, “Primary investigation suggests that there was a power failure due to which the reactor stopped functioning. This appears to have triggered a reaction that resulted in the blast. The impact of the explosion affected a truck carrying hydrogen, which led to a major fire.”

He confirmed that one person had died while three others were undergoing treatment in hospital.

Preliminary investigations suggested that a tank containing a chemical solvent exploded inside the factory premises. The blast was followed by a fire that intensified when a truck loaded with hydrogen parked within the compound caught fire.

Fire officials said they received an emergency call at 12.18pm. A total of 11 vehicles, including fire tenders, water bowsers, first responder units and two ambulances, were deployed to the site. The operation involved 41 personnel, including firefighters, drivers and senior officers, who eventually brought the blaze under control.

Police officials said the exact cause of the blast was yet to be established. The forensic science experts are expected to assist in determining the origin of the explosion.

Authorities have launched a detailed probe to ascertain whether any safety violations or operational lapses contributed to the accident. Officials from the fire brigade and the Gujarat Pollution Control Board (GPCB) are also involved in the investigation.

Further action against the factory management, if any, will be decided after inspection reports and technical assessments are submitted, police said.