Fire breaks out at pest control factory in Palda, locals rescue workers

Indore: Panic struck the Palda industrial area on Wednesday afternoon after a massive fire erupted at a factory manufacturing pest control products. The blaze, which began around 11 am, sent thick plumes of black smoke into the sky, visible from several kilometres away.The factory, reportedly owned by a local businessman, was filled with highly inflammable chemicals and raw materials, causing the fire to spread with alarming speed.In a display of quick thinking and bravery, local corporator Kunal Solanki and several residents rushed to the site upon hearing the workers' screams. They managed to rescue a group of labourers who were trapped inside the building as the flames began to block the exits.Approximately 11 workers sustained minor injuries and suffered from smoke inhalation. They were immediately rushed to a nearby hospital and placed on oxygen support. Doctors have confirmed that all the injured are now out of danger.Indore fire brigade dispatched several fire tenders to the spot. It took a rigorous 90-minute operation to bring the inferno under control. Preliminary investigations suggest that the presence of chemical solvents acted as an accelerant, making the initial dousing efforts difficult.The cause of this fire is suspected to be a short circuit, while further probe was on. In a separate incident on the same day, an Activa scooter caught fire near the IT Park in the Bhanwarkuan area. The rider noticed sparks and managed to jump off the vehicle just before it was engulfed in flames. Firefighters reached the spot quickly and extinguished the blaze.