Gujarat Chemical Plant Blast: The blast took place at Gujarat Fluorochemicals Limited. (Representational)
Five labourers were killed and 16 workers injured, some critically, after a huge explosion and a massive fire at a chemical unit in Gujarat's Panchmahal district on Thursday, officials said.
The blast occurred around 10 am at the chemical manufacturing plant of Gujarat Fluorochemicals Limited (GFL), said Panchmahal district collector Sujal Mayatra.
Of the 16 workers injured in the mishap, 14 have suffered minor injuries, while two have over 50% burns, Mr Mayatra said, adding that all of them were referred to different hospitals for treatment and are out of danger.
"A huge explosion followed by fire occurred at the chemical manufacturing plant of GFL. We have recovered five dead bodies from the blast site during our search and rescue operation after the fire was doused. The Chief Minister's Office (CMO) also contacted us and gave necessary instructions," the collector added.
On being alerted, the firefighters rushed to the spot along with Sujal Mayatra and district Superintendent of Police Leena Patil.
After the fire was brought under control, search teams initially found two bodies from under the rubble. Later during the day, the bodies of three more victims were recovered when the entire area was scanned, Mr Mayatra said.
Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel immediately contacted the collector upon learning about the incident and instructed him to make necessary arrangements for the treatment of the injured and to expedite search and rescue operation, a statement by the CMO said.