At least seven people were killed in a devastating fire that broke out at a chemical factory in the Bhiwadi area of Rajasthan’s Khairthal-Tijara district on Monday.
Additional District Magistrate Sumita Mishra said that the fire was noticed during a routine police patrol, prompting an immediate rescue operation. "Nine people were trapped inside the factory. Seven bodies have been recovered so far," she said, adding that efforts were ongoing to rescue the remaining two workers.
Mishra stated that the premises were leased under the guise of a garment factory, but according to the preliminary report, firecrackers were being illegally manufactured there.
Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma has directed district administrations to immediately begin relief and rescue operations. District Collector Artika Shukla, who arrived at the scene with other district officials, has ordered an inquiry into the incident.
The tragedy triggered a political blame game, with Rajasthan Congress President Govind Singh Dotasra accusing the BJP-led government of neglecting such incidents. He pointed to a similar disaster in Ajmer, where 16 people were killed after a chemical tanker overturned.
"Since the formation of this government, we've witnessed multiple such incidents. On Ajmer Road, a chemical tanker overturned, killing over 16 people. In Jaipur, people died in a fire at SMS Hospital’s ICU. These tragedies have become all too common, but the government is not taking the issue seriously. This is a very serious matter," Dotasra said.
