A security camera recorded the moments before and after the horrific explosion that killed at least nine people at a chemical factory in Maharashtra’s Thane on Thursday.
The CCTV footage that captured happenings around the factory moments before the blast shows four workers standing at a corner of the boiler plant when a loud thud occurred, and glass shards flew as the workers ran away to escape tragedy.
Another video shows visuals of a building nearly shaking as the blast occurred. The explosion left a large crater at the spot and the shockwaves damaged nearby factories and bent heavy iron beams.
Witnesses reported hearing three blasts at the factory, which were audible from a kilometre away. In addition to the nine casualties, the blast in Thane injured dozens of others.
Meanwhile, an investigation has already begun in the blast case and the FIR stated that the chemical company did not take precautions over the mixing and storage of compounds knowing well that any lapses might lead to an explosion.
The FIR names company owners/directors Malti Pradip Mehta, Mayal Pradip Mehta and other directors, management staff and officials, who were supervising the factory. They have been booked for culpable homicide and other charges.
The accused have been booked for culpable homicide (section 304), voluntarily causing hurt and negligent conduct concerning combustible matter and explosive substances under the Indian Penal Code.
Besides IPC, the police have also invoked charges under the Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act and Explosive Substances Act.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde visited the blast site with other officials and assured people that those responsible will get stringent punishment.
The CM also announced an ex-gratia amount of Rs 5 lakh each for the kin of those killed in the explosion and the expenses of those injured will be borne by the government.
“All most hazardous industrial units falling under the red category will be immediately shut across the state. Such units will be given the option to shift to another location or change the usage (category) like engineering and IT. There will be no compromise on the lives of people,” Shinde said.
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