14 Firefighters Injured in Jodhpur Factory Fire, 8 Critical
Chemical drums explode during firefighting operation at handicrafts factory in Ganesh Nagar
- 14 firefighters injured while battling the Jodhpur factory fire.
- Eight personnel suffered burns of more than 50% and are in serious condition.
- Chemical drums triggered multiple explosions during firefighting.
- Probe underway into chemical storage and factory permissions.
GG News Bureau
Jodhpur, 24th Sept: At least 14 fire department personnel were injured, eight of them seriously, while battling a major fire at a handicrafts factory in Jodhpur’s Ganesh Nagar area on Wednesday evening. The blaze triggered multiple explosions after drums containing inflammable chemicals caught fire inside the premises.
The fire was reported at around 5:30 pm. Officials said the factory was locked when the blaze broke out, but chemicals stored in drums inside the facility caught fire, leading to repeated explosions and making firefighting operations difficult.
As many as 10 fire tenders from different stations were rushed to the spot, while around 35 fire personnel were deployed to contain the blaze.
During the operation, a stone reportedly fell from the factory roof onto a chemical drum, triggering an explosion that caused burn injuries to 14 firefighters. The injured personnel were initially taken to AIIMS Jodhpur.
Two firefighters were discharged after receiving primary treatment. Since AIIMS Jodhpur does not have a dedicated burn unit, the remaining 12 injured personnel were provided initial treatment before being referred to Mahatma Gandhi Hospital.
Jodhpur Municipal Corporation Chief Fire Officer Jalaj Ghasia said the fire broke out at a handicrafts factory and that 10 fire tenders were immediately deployed from various fire stations.
Police Commissioner Anshuman Bhomia said inflammable chemicals and thinner were being used at the facility. He said explosions from the chemical drums repeatedly hampered efforts to bring the fire under control.
Of the 12 firefighters referred to Mahatma Gandhi Hospital, eight suffered burns covering more than 50 per cent of their bodies and are in serious condition, Bhomia said.
Probe into chemical storage
Authorities have initiated an investigation into the ownership of the factory and permissions for storing highly inflammable chemicals at the premises.
The factory was reportedly operating in a residential area, prompting authorities to evacuate residents of nearby houses as a precautionary measure. Several surrounding houses are also suspected to have suffered damage due to the intense flames.
The district collector and police commissioner visited the hospital to take stock of the condition of the injured firefighters.
Former Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot expressed concern over the incident and wished a speedy recovery to the injured personnel.
