Faridabad: More than 37 people were injured after a massive fire broke out at a manufacturing unit in the Mujesar Industrial Area of Sector 24 in Faridabad on Monday, officials said. Three police personnel were among those hurt while assisting in rescue and firefighting operations.
According to police, the incident occurred around 4 p.m. when sparks from a steel-cutting machine fell into a drum containing chemicals, leading to an explosion. The blast triggered a series of secondary explosions as nearly 20–25 chemical drums stored nearby caught fire.
The flames spread quickly, engulfing the entire premises of Kalkaji Lubricants and severely damaging a portion of the factory. Several vehicles, including cars and two-wheelers parked within a 100-metre radius, were also destroyed in the blaze.
Seven fire tenders were rushed to the site, and firefighters managed to bring the situation under control after nearly two hours, Faridabad Police spokesperson SI Yashpal Yadav said.
A team from the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) assisted local authorities in rescue operations and coordinated the evacuation of the injured along with the sub-divisional magistrate.
Most of the injured were factory workers. Among them were a constable, a sub-inspector and a special police officer who sustained burn injuries during the response efforts.
Out of the total injured, 12 workers and two police personnel were admitted to Badshah Khan Government Hospital, while others were shifted to private medical facilities, including Fortis Hospital. Eight critically injured persons were transported to AIIMS and Safdarjung Hospital in Delhi through green corridors to ensure immediate treatment.
Police have initiated an investigation into the incident and are questioning the factory owner. Officials said a formal complaint is being prepared, and the exact cause of the fire is being examined.
