Two dead and one missing after explosion at Indian chemicals plant

AN explosion and fire at Punjab Chemicals and Crop Protection in Dera Bassi, India, has killed two employees, injured at least 12, and one person is still missing.

The explosion occurred at around 11:15 local time on 10 July. According to The Tribune, company Director Avtar Singh said a short-circuit led to the fire, which reached the toluene tanks in the unit and triggered the explosion. It occurred on the third floor of the unit and quickly spread throughout other parts of the building. According to The Indian Express, a worker said that some people had jumped from the third floor to save their lives.

Two people were killed and another is still missing and feared dead. At least 12 were injured and five are said to be in a critical condition.

Avtar said the plant was destroyed and machinery and raw chemicals worth at least hundreds of thousands of US dollars were destroyed. The roof of the tank was found several hundred metres away.

The fire was brought under control after three hours and the incident is currently under investigation.