Chemical explosion at IPCL plant kills two, injures 17

A chemical explosion at the Indian Petrochemicals Corp Ltd (IPCL) plant at Nagothane in Maharashtra's Raigad district on Friday killed two people and injured 17.

According to an official at the Raigad police control room, “The explosion took place around 11.30 a.m. While details are not available, the preliminary report states that two persons died on the spot and the injured have been shifted to Harkisondas Hospital in Mumbai while those with superficial burns are being treated at Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital inside the IPCL complex.”

According to a company spokesperson, “There is a report of an explosion and it is feared that one person has succumbed to injuries sustained in the explosion. However, further details are awaited.”

According to top police officials, the explosion occurred when repair work was being carried out in the LLD department where inflammable chemicals are stored. Enquiries are on to ascertain the cause of the explosion. Nagothane, 94 km from Mumbai, is a petrochemical refinery hub.