5 Dead in Explosion at Closed Alloy Manufacturing Plant

A massive explosion and fire at a chemical storage on the premises of a closed alloy factory in Solu village near Alandi, in Maharashtra, India

The blast, which had taken place around 5pm on Friday, injured many people near the site as well as those passing by at the time.

The death toll at the closed alloy factory reached five on Sunday. Police said the total number of injured in the incident is now 18, with with at least five of them undergoing treatment.

The blast was initially thought to be of a power distribution transformer. It was later revealed to be that of chemicals stored on the premises of the alloy manufacturing factory. Officials said the factory was closed a few years ago and is currently facing insolvency proceedings before the National Company Law Tribunal.

“With the death of a 50-year-old person on Sunday morning, the toll in the explosion has reached five. The information gathered till now suggests that at least 18 people were injured in the accident, with five of them currently being treated for burn injuries at Sassoon General Hospital and a private hospital,” said an officer from Alandi police station according to local news.

Police already have booked the owner of the factory and an insolvency practitioner, who is looking after the proceedings against the company and holds the custody of the property.