At least seven workers were burnt alive and two others remain trapped after a major fire tore through a chemical factory in Bhiwadi’s industrial belt on Monday, prompting urgent rescue operations and a magisterial inquiry into the blaze.
A devastating blaze erupted at around 9.30 am on Monday at a chemical manufacturing unit located in the Khushkhera-Karoli industrial area of Bhiwadi in Rajasthan. Emergency responders discovered the fire during a routine police patrol, triggering an immediate rescue operation involving fire brigade teams, medical personnel and administrative officials.
Authorities say about 20–25 workers were present inside the factory when the fire broke out. While several managed to escape, seven workers were tragically burnt alive, their bodies recovered from the scene. At least two more workers are believed still trapped under rubble and debris inside the unit, as teams continue to search desperately for survivors.
Additional District Magistrate Sumita Mishra told reporters that “nine people were trapped inside. Seven bodies have been taken out so far,” and that rescue operations were in full swing. Police have cordoned off the site and reinforced fire safety perimeter to support relief activities.
Emergency Response, Investigations, and Safety Questions
Firefighters from the RIICO fire stations in Khushkhera and Bhiwadi battled the blaze for more than 90 minutes before bringing it under control. Officials said that the presence of flammable chemicals and dense industrial materials caused the fire to spread rapidly, hindering rescue efforts.
Deputy Superintendent of Police Shivraj Singh is overseeing the initial investigation, with senior district officials conducting a detailed review of safety protocols at the site. A magisterial inquiry has been ordered to determine the cause of the fire and assess whether there were violations of industrial safety standards.
Injured workers have been shifted to nearby hospitals for treatment, and several bodies were reported to have been found in severely charred condition. Local police, fire, and administration teams are working together to ensure that the remaining missing persons are found.
Background: Bhiwadi’s Industrial Risks and Regulatory Oversight
Bhiwadi forms part of a broader industrial belt spread across the National Capital Region, with a high concentration of chemical, pharmaceutical, paint and allied units. Safety experts say such clusters require rigorous monitoring and strict adherence to fire and hazard protocols given the nature of materials handled.
Industrial accidents — particularly involving fire and chemical hazards – have periodically spotlighted concerns about safety compliance across smaller manufacturing units in the region. Critics argue that while there are regulations in place, enforcement has often lagged behind rapid industrial expansion.
This is not the first time that fire-related tragedies have raised alarm. Previous incidents in industrial areas across India have repeatedly underlined the need for improved infrastructure, employee training and stricter inspection regimes.
Political and Community Reactions
The tragic loss of life has sparked reactions from across the political spectrum. Rajasthan Congress President Govind Singh Dotasra alleged that repeated industrial accidents point to a failure in protecting workers and demanded immediate corrective measures and accountability from the government.
Families of the missing and deceased gathered outside the fire site, some expressing outrage at the lack of safety measures and seeking answers on how such a devastating fire could break out without warning. Community members have called for transparent communication from officials as rescue teams continue their search.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
At The Logical Indian, our deepest sympathies are with the families and colleagues of the workers who lost their lives or remain missing in this tragedy. Industrial safety is a fundamental right — not a privilege. Every worker deserves a workplace that safeguards their well-being, where hazard mitigation, emergency preparedness and compliance with safety laws are non-negotiable.
Repeated tragedies at industrial units across regions highlight a larger story: one of systems under strain, regulatory gaps and everyday people caught in the crossfire of neglect.
As authorities investigate the cause of this blaze, let us urge clear accountability, rigorous safety audits, and a renewed commitment from industry leaders towards humane working conditions.
