Khairthal-Tijara (Rajasthan): At least seven people were burnt alive in a fire that broke out at an illegal firecracker-manufacturing unit operating inside a garment factory in Bhiwadi town of Khairthal-Tijara district on Monday, officials said.
The incident occurred in the Khushkhera-Karoli industrial area of Bhiwadi. According to Additional District Magistrate Sumitra Pareek, the premises had been leased as a garment factory, but preliminary findings indicate that firecrackers were being manufactured there unlawfully.
“Seven persons have died in the incident. Two people were trapped inside,” Pareek said, adding that police detected the blaze during a routine patrol and immediately launched a rescue operation.
District Collector Artika Shukla and other senior district and police officials rushed to the site. Shukla has ordered a formal inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Initial reports suggest that more than 20 people were present inside the factory when the fire erupted. While several workers managed to escape, nine were trapped inside. Seven of them lost their lives in the blaze. Firefighters brought the flames under control after over an hour and a half. Authorities said skeletal remains were also recovered from the site.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief over the loss of lives. In a message shared by the Prime Minister’s Office on X, he described the incident as tragic and conveyed condolences to the bereaved families, while wishing a speedy recovery to those injured.
Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma directed district authorities to ensure immediate relief and rescue measures. He also instructed Forest Minister Sanjay Sharma to reach the affected area.
State Congress president Govind Singh Dotasra termed the incident unfortunate and called for a thorough investigation. Former Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot and Leader of Opposition Tikaram Jully also expressed condolences over the deaths of the workers.
Further investigation is underway to determine the exact cause of the fire and to ascertain accountability for the alleged illegal operations.
