Gurgaon Factory Fire Claims Life of 28-Year-Old Man in Chemical Storage Blaze
A tragic incident unfolded in Gurgaon's Basai area early on Wednesday, resulting in the death of a 28-year-old man who was charred to death after a fire broke out inside a factory storage room used for cleaning chemicals. The victim, identified as Hetram Khewat, a native of Madhya Pradesh, worked at the unit and occasionally slept inside the room, according to police reports.
Fire Suspected from Short Circuit in Chemical Storage
Police suspect that the fire may have been triggered by a short circuit, as burnt electrical wires were discovered at the site. The presence of chemical cleaning agents inside the room further fuelled the flames, intensifying the blaze and making it difficult to control. The fire erupted during the intervening night of March 11 and 12, catching workers and locals by surprise.
Initially, workers and residents noticed the flames and rushed to the spot, managing to douse the fire on their own before informing authorities. At that time, they believed no one was inside the room, which was among eight to nine units rented by Suraj International for storing floor cleaners. An officer explained, "The company purchases cleaning liquid in bulk packages and repackages it into smaller containers for sale in the market."
Victim's Habits Delayed Discovery of Body
Workers informed police that Hetram Khewat occasionally slept inside the storage room. They described him as a habitual drinker who often moved around from place to place at night, which is why they did not immediately suspect he might have been inside when the fire broke out. It was only later in the evening, when workers returned to clear the debris left behind by the fire, that they made a grim discovery.
While removing the burnt material, they stumbled upon a charred body. "It was only then that they suspected it might be Hetram," the officer stated. Police were promptly informed, and a team reached the spot to investigate the scene. Subsequently, the victim's family members were contacted for identification purposes.
Post-Mortem and Ongoing Inquiry
The body was shifted to the mortuary for a post-mortem examination to determine the exact cause of death and gather forensic evidence. After the procedure, it was handed over to the family for last rites, allowing them to perform final ceremonies for their loved one. Police have confirmed that further inquiry into the incident is underway to ascertain all details and ensure compliance with safety regulations.
This incident highlights the dangers associated with improper storage of flammable materials and the risks faced by workers in industrial settings. Authorities are urging factories to adhere to safety protocols to prevent such tragedies in the future.
