Judicial Probe Ordered After Seven Killed in Rajasthan Factory Fire; CM Expresses Grief

Jaipur – A judicial inquiry has been ordered following a devastating fire at a chemical and firecracker factory in the Khushkheda Industrial Area of Bhiwadi in Rajasthan’s Alwar district that claimed seven lives on Monday, sending shockwaves across the state.

The fire broke out around 9:30 a.m. at plot number G1/118B and spread rapidly due to the presence of highly flammable chemicals and firecracker manufacturing materials inside the unit. Around 20 to 25 workers were reportedly present when the blaze erupted. While several workers managed to escape, seven were trapped inside and died in the fire. One worker is still feared missing.

Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma described the incident as extremely tragic and expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives. He directed the district administration to conduct immediate rescue and relief operations and ensure proper medical treatment for the injured. He also extended condolences to the bereaved families and prayed for peace for the deceased.

Former Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot also expressed grief over the incident, calling it extremely painful and praying for minimal loss of life in such accidents and peace for the departed souls.

Firefighters battled the blaze for nearly one and a half hours before bringing it under control. However, the explosion and fire were so intense that several victims’ bodies were charred beyond recognition. Rescue teams described the scene as extremely distressing, with remains reportedly recovered from the gutted factory premises.

According to Additional District Magistrate Sumitra Mishra, preliminary findings suggest the factory was engaged in manufacturing chemicals along with firecrackers. The unit is reportedly owned by Rajendra. Authorities are now examining possible violations of safety norms and negligence, with the judicial inquiry expected to identify lapses in safety compliance.

A heavy police presence was deployed at the site as distressed family members gathered outside the factory demanding accountability for the incident.

With inputs from IANS