Seven workers were burnt alive and two remained trapped after a fire broke out at an illegal firecracker-manufacturing unit operating inside a garment factory in Bhiwadi town of Rajasthan’s Khairthal-Tijara district on Monday.
The blaze erupted in the Khushkhera-Karoli industrial area, prompting a rescue operation after police detected the incident during routine patrol. Officials said more than 20 workers were present inside the premises when the fire broke out. While several managed to escape, nine were trapped. Seven were charred to death.
“It was a garment factory but firecrackers were being manufactured inside it illegally,” Additional District Magistrate Sumitra Pareek said. She confirmed that two persons remained trapped as rescue efforts continued.
The premises had reportedly been leased in the name of a garment factory. “The premises was leased out in the name of a garment factory but as per the preliminary report, firecrackers were being manufactured illegally,” Pareek said.
The fire was brought under control after more than one-and-a-half hours. Officials said skeletal remains were recovered from the gutted unit. District Collector Artika Shukla and senior administrative and police officers rushed to the spot. Shukla ordered an inquiry into the incident.
Also read: Fire engulfs Fatehpur firecracker market, 65 shops gutted
Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma directed district authorities to undertake immediate relief and rescue measures and instructed Forest Minister Sanjay Sharma to reach Alwar to oversee operations.
Congress state president Govind Singh Dotasra termed the incident unfortunate and demanded a thorough investigation. Former Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot and Leader of Opposition Tikaram Jully also expressed condolences over the deaths of the labourers.
In New Delhi, Prime Minister Narendra Modi described the fire as “tragic and deeply saddening”. The Prime Minister’s Office, quoting Modi on X, said: “My condolences to those who have lost their loved ones. I pray for the speedy recovery of those injured.”
Vice President C P Radhakrishnan also expressed grief, stating, “Heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families, and prayers for the speedy recovery of those injured.”
Authorities are investigating possible violations of safety norms and the illegal manufacture of firecrackers inside the industrial unit.
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