5 killed as fire breaks out in two factories in Maharashtra

Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, who cancelled a public meeting in Aurangabad, rushed to Igatpuri along with Guardian Minister Dada Bhuse

A massive fire broke out at a factory in Mundegaon village in Maharashtra’s Nashik district on January 1, 2023. | Photo Credit: PTI

At least five people were killed and more than 20 injured on Sunday in two separate fire accidents in Nashik and Solapur districts of Maharashtra.

Two people were killed and 17 injured in a massive fire that broke out at the factory Jindal Polyfilm Ltd. in Igatpuri taluk of Nashik around noon. In the second incident, at least three persons were killed and three injured as a fire broke out following a blast at a firecracker factory at Barshi in Solapur district.

Ex gratia announced

Announcing a high-level probe into the Igatpuri incident, Chief Minister Eknath Shinde said the government would give ex gratia of ₹5 lakh each to the next of kin of the deceased and bear the treatment expenses of the injured. “It was a major accident. The fire is under control. I have myself spoken with the injured. Two are believed to be in critical condition. Our priority was to bring the fire under control and conduct rescue and relief operations. The government will conduct a high-level inquiry into the incident,” Mr. Shinde said.

Earlier, the Chief Minister, after speaking with the authorities at the Devlali Air Force Station, activated a helicopter rescue operation when the inferno was raging. Sources said the fire is expected to be completely doused only by Monday.

In Solapur, the firecracker factory explosion occurred in Shirala around 3 p.m. Senior police officials and fire authorities rushed to the spot. The local administration said the death toll may rise.