A significant fire broke out at a chemical warehouse in Surat’s Sachin industrial area, leading to a series of explosions and a large emergency response. The blaze started at a warehouse owned by Aether Industries in the Hoziwala compound at Sachin GIDC, where a substantial amount of chemicals was stored. Reports suggest that numerous chemical drums caught fire, causing multiple explosions within the facility.
The fire escalated, resulting in over 20 blasts, with ongoing explosions as the heat caused chemical containers to rupture. The intensity of the blasts was sufficient to cause damage to nearby structures, including the collapse of a one- to two-storey building and fires in tin-shed warehouses nearby. The flames spread to adjacent units like Geeta Timber Plywood and Shakti Plywood, with Geeta Timber Plywood being completely engulfed in the fire.
Thick black smoke billowed from the site, visible from several kilometers away, with residents reporting sightings up to 5 kilometers away. Workers and residents in the vicinity evacuated nearby factories as the explosions reverberated across the industrial estate. The fire department issued a “major call” and deployed more than 15 fire brigade vehicles from various stations to combat the blaze.
Firefighters worked to extinguish the flames and prevent further spread on the chemical-laden premises, posing challenges to firefighting efforts. Police swiftly secured the area, sealing off the surrounding vicinity as a precautionary measure. Despite the scale of the fire and explosions, no casualties have been reported thus far.
Efforts are ongoing to fully contain the blaze, with firefighting operations continuing. The cause of the fire remains undetermined, and an investigation is anticipated once the situation stabilizes. Authorities noted potential significant damage to goods stored in the affected warehouses and nearby industrial units.
