A massive fire broke out early Tuesday morning at a chemical manufacturing unit in the Thane district of Mumbai, sending plumes of thick black smoke into the sky and prompting emergency evacuations of nearby residential areas.
According to fire officials, the blaze began around 4:10 a.m. and quickly spread due to the presence of flammable materials stored in the factory. At least 12 fire engines and 3 water tankers were dispatched to bring the situation under control.
Local authorities confirmed that no casualties have been reported so far, although five workers were hospitalized for smoke inhalation. Firefighters are still battling the flames as of the latest reports, and a cooling operation is underway.
Residents in the area were seen evacuating their homes, while traffic in nearby roads has been diverted as a safety measure.
Initial investigations suggest the fire may have started due to a short circuit in the storage facility. The Mumbai Police and Fire Department have launched a detailed inquiry into the incident.
“We urge all residents in the vicinity to stay indoors and keep their windows closed. Air quality levels have dropped significantly,” said Fire Commissioner Ajay Patil in a press briefing.
The factory, owned by NovaChem Industries, is known to produce industrial solvents and adhesives, some of which are considered highly reactive.
Updates will follow as more information becomes available.
