One Dead, Dozens Injured in Cosmetics Factory Fire

A massive fire broke out at a cosmetic manufacturing unit in Jharmajri village, part of the Baddi-Barotiwaala industrial belt in Northern India on Friday.

Smoke could be seen in the sky billowing from the factory.

One worker died and 34 others sustained injuries after they jumped from the roof and floors of the factory. All were taken to the hospital where five were transferred to Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER) in Chandigarh.

The workers "suffered spine/head injuries along with minor burns. All these patients are stable and required work up and treatment is being provided,” PGIMER’s medical superintendent and official spokesperson Vipin Koushal said, as per the PGIMER statement.

There were nearly 50 to 60 workers inside the factory when the blaze broke out after highly inflammable chemicals used for cosmetic production caught fire, said Solan deputy commissioner (DC) Manmohan Sharma.

At least 12 fire tenders from Nalagarh in Solan and the Baddi-Barotiwala regions responded to douse the flames as thick smoke engulfed the area.

“People jumped from the first and the second floor of the building to save their lives and sustained multiple injuries on hands, legs, and even spine,” he said while talking to reporters at the spot, and added that the reason behind the fire is yet to be ascertained and a forensic team is on the job.