Major Fire at Surat Embroidery Unit Claims Two Lives, Injures Thirteen
A devastating fire, sparked by an explosion of LPG cylinders, ripped through an embroidery unit in Surat's Bharatnagar area early Thursday morning, resulting in the tragic deaths of two workers and leaving thirteen others injured. The incident occurred within the jurisdiction of the Varachha police station, sending shockwaves through the local industrial community.
Blast Triggers Intense Blaze in Residential Workspace
Fire officials reported that the catastrophe began around 4:30 AM when a suspected short circuit ignited a pile of stored clothes on the third floor of the unit. The flames rapidly spread, reaching small LPG cylinders that workers used for cooking purposes. This contact triggered a powerful explosion, with three of the eight cylinders stored on the premises detonating violently.
The unit, which functioned as a combined living and working space, housed approximately 22 workers who were asleep at the time the fire broke out. The building, a three-story structure with a metal-sheet terrace, was used for embroidery and sewing operations. The two deceased workers were sleeping in close proximity to the gas cylinders, leading to fatal injuries from the blast.
Dramatic Rescue Operation and Investigation Underway
Upon receiving the alert, fire teams rushed to the scene with four vehicles, launching a challenging rescue mission. Using a hydraulic ladder, firefighters successfully rescued 11 workers who were trapped inside the burning structure. To facilitate the rescue, they had to cut through a metal shed located on the terrace of Unit Nos. 46-47.
All eight LPG cylinders, including the three that exploded, have been seized and handed over to the Varachha police for a thorough investigation. The remaining seven workers at the unit are reported to be out of danger, but the thirteen injured individuals are currently receiving medical treatment at SMIMER Hospital. Authorities are examining the circumstances that led to the storage and use of cooking gas cylinders within the industrial workspace.
This tragic incident highlights critical safety concerns in residential-industrial setups, particularly regarding fire hazards and the improper storage of flammable materials like LPG. The local community and officials are calling for stricter enforcement of safety regulations to prevent such disasters in the future.
