Surat Industrial Fire Triggers Multi-Agency Probe and Conflicting Claims
The Directorate of Industrial Safety and Health (DISH) has initiated a formal inquiry into the massive fire that erupted at a building of Aether Industries Limited, located in the Hojiwala Industrial Estate within the Sachin area of Surat. This blaze has prompted a comprehensive investigation to determine the cause and assess safety compliance at the industrial unit.
Conflicting Accounts Over Fire Origin
There have been conflicting claims regarding the origin of the fire. Initially, officials from Aether Industries suggested that the blaze may have spread from an adjoining plywood unit. However, on Thursday, the company revised its statement, asserting that the fire began after a transformer belonging to Dakshin Gujarat Vij Company Ltd (DGVCL) caught fire.
In response, DGVCL officials released CCTV footage on Friday, which reportedly shows that the fire first ignited inside the warehouse and only later spread to the transformer. This footage is expected to play a crucial role in the ongoing investigation. A senior DGVCL official indicated that the company plans to take action against what it described as "false claims" made by Aether Industries, adding a layer of contention to the probe.
Environmental Impact and Unit Closure
In a parallel move, the Gujarat Pollution Control Board (GPCB) will conduct a separate investigation to evaluate the environmental impact of the fire. A DISH official confirmed that the industrial unit has been ordered to remain shut until further notice. "Along with the inquiry, the premises will remain closed. Further action will be taken based on the findings," the official stated, emphasizing the seriousness of the incident.
Firefighting Challenges and Response
The fire broke out at the industrial unit's warehouse on Wednesday and quickly escalated beyond the control of initial response teams from Hojiwala Industrial Estate and the Sachin Industrial area. As the situation deteriorated, teams from Surat Fire and Emergency Services were summoned to the scene. More than 20 fire tenders were deployed, and the district collectorate declared a major call, mobilizing additional support from Hazira fire teams.
Firefighting efforts were significantly hampered when liquid material stored in the warehouse spilled onto the road, creating hazardous conditions that made access and control operations more difficult for emergency responders. This complication prolonged the battle to contain the blaze and underscored the risks associated with industrial fires.
Ongoing Investigations and Future Steps
Authorities are now meticulously examining the sequence of events, safety compliance at the unit, and the extent of environmental damage as multiple agencies continue their probe. The investigations by DISH and GPCB are expected to provide critical insights into the causes and consequences of the fire, potentially leading to regulatory actions and safety improvements in the industrial estate.
