A catastrophic explosion rocked Detox India Pvt. Ltd.; a chemical disposal facility located in the Ankleshwar Industrial Estate of the Gujarat Industrial Development Corporation (GIDC) on Tuesday afternoon. The powerful blast, which occurred during a chemical process, tragically claimed the lives of four workers and left four others critically injured.

The explosion, reportedly caused by the rupture of a steam pressure pipe at the company’s M.E. plant, sent shockwaves through the industrial area. Locals recounted hearing a deafening sound followed by thick plumes of smoke rising from the site, which could be seen from miles away. Authorities swiftly responded, with police, fire services, and health and safety teams rushing to the scene to control the situation.

Cause of the Explosion:

According to initial reports, the incident occurred as workers were engaged in welding operations while installing railings on the feed tank. The welding sparked a chain reaction when the steam pressure pipe, which was likely under high tension due to the chemical processes underway, ruptured. The intense pressure and subsequent release of steam resulted in a massive explosion, engulfing the workers in the vicinity.

The identities of the deceased have not been confirmed yet, but sources suggest that the victims were employed as maintenance workers at the plant. Several others have been rushed to nearby hospitals with severe injuries, with at least two reported to be in critical condition. Emergency medical teams from Bharuch and nearby towns are on standby to provide additional support.

Response and Investigations:

A large contingent of firefighters, along with a team from the Safety and Health Department, arrived at the site to extinguish the flames and secure the area. The police have launched a full-scale investigation into the incident, with a focus on potential lapses in safety protocols and adherence to industrial standards. The Gujarat Pollution Control Board (GPCB) has also been notified, and a detailed inspection of the facility will be carried out.

Political Reactions:

The explosion has sparked widespread outrage, with local political figures demanding accountability. Bharuch BJP MP Mansukh Vasava expressed his grief over the incident and accused the Gujarat Pollution Control Board (GPCB) of negligence. Vasava has called for immediate legal action against Detox India Pvt. Ltd., which has been previously scrutinized for safety violations.

“The company has a history of non-compliance with safety regulations, and the authorities must ensure that those responsible are held accountable for this horrific accident,” Vasava stated. He also urged the state government to conduct a thorough review of industrial safety standards across Gujarat’s industrial estates.

Recurrent Safety Concerns:

The explosion has raised serious concerns about industrial safety in Gujarat, a state known for its thriving chemical and manufacturing industries. This incident comes just weeks after a devastating fire at the Indian Oil Corporation’s factory in Vadodara, which claimed the lives of two workers. Experts are now calling for a comprehensive overhaul of safety protocols to prevent further industrial accidents.

Company's Track Record:

Detox India Pvt. Ltd. specializes in industrial waste disposal and has operated in the Ankleshwar region for several years. However, the company has faced several allegations of negligence in the past. Workers' unions have also highlighted concerns about poor safety standards at the plant, citing instances of malfunctioning equipment and unsafe work conditions.

As investigations continue, authorities are focusing on whether the company failed to take adequate measures to protect its workers from known hazards. Public outrage is expected to grow, with calls for stricter regulations and a review of safety standards across Gujarat’s industrial sector.