Workers missing after massive explosions rock India chemical factory
At least six workers were reportedly injured after multiple explosions triggered a major fire at a GLS chemical factory in Haryana’s Rewari district on Tuesday, May 19.
The incident forced the evacuation of around 300 employees from the industrial facility located in Sector 5.
Footage from the scene showed the factory roof had collapsed as thick smoke spread across surrounding areas while firefighters worked to control the blaze.
Factory supervisor Sonu Yadav said the explosions caused panic among workers inside the facility.
“The incident occurred around 11 a.m. As the fire spread […] People were running in panic, we could hear screams, and badly burned workers were coming out of the factory,” Yadav said.
“We rushed to the scene. The vehicles were parked outside, so we used them to transport the injured to the hospital. We then alerted the fire brigade, which arrived within about 10 minutes,” he added.
Some workers and relatives expressed concern over the uncertainty surrounding missing employees and criticised what they described as conflicting information from company authorities.
According to reports, the fire started while repairs were being carried out at a chilling plant inside the factory. The flames later spread through the unit, with repeated explosions reportedly heard from a distance.
Reports indicate that between five and six workers were injured. Four critically injured workers were transferred to a nearby hospital, while another person received treatment locally in Rewari.
Authorities said forensic experts and local police have launched an investigation to determine the cause of the explosions and fire.
The factory manufactures industrial ink and aluminium foil products for domestic and international markets.
This story is written and edited by the Global South World team, you can contact us here.
