23 May 2024 | 06:56 PM UTC
India: Crews continue emergency response after factory boiler explosion and fire kill at least eight people in Dombivli, Maharashtra State, May 23 /update 1
Factory boiler explosion, fire kill at least eight people in Dombivli, Maharashtra State, India, May 23; crews continue emergency response.
Authorities had deployed in large numbers to the site of a major boiler explosion and associated fire in Dombivli, Maharashtra State, and were continuing their emergency response in the area as of late May 23. The incident, which occurred at the Amber Chemicals factory in the city's Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC) complex, reportedly killed at least eight people and injured more than 60 others; the casualty count may rise over the coming hours. The explosion and fire have damaged several other buildings in the vicinity, and the blaze has emitted plumes of thick, black smoke. The cause of the explosion was not immediately reported. Officials will likely provide updates over the short term.
Smoke from the fire may noticeably worsen air quality in the surrounding area. Officials will almost certainly maintain a heightened security presence in the affected area until the blaze is extinguished. Transport and business disruptions will probably affect the vicinity of the incident site over the short term. Authorities may implement road closures or evacuation orders on short notice depending on the needs of the emergency response.
Avoid the impacted area until authorities give the all-clear. Seek alternative routes and allow additional travel time to nearby destinations. Consider remaining indoors to avoid smoke exposure, especially if you suffer from a respiratory illness, such as asthma, or conditions that lead to increased risk from smoke exposure. Eye irritation is possible; flush irritated eyes with copious amounts of clean water. Heed all official advisories, including any evacuation orders.
