Surat | Gujarat — A massive fire at the warehouse of Aether Industries Limited in Surat’s Sachin industrial area has once again raised serious safety concerns, nearly two and a half years after a deadly explosion at the same company claimed the lives of nine workers.
The latest fire broke out on Tuesday afternoon at the company’s facility located in the Sachin Hojiwala industrial compound, triggering multiple explosions as chemical drums stored inside the warehouse began bursting one after another. Thick black smoke billowed into the sky and was visible from several kilometres away, creating panic among workers and residents in nearby industrial units.
More than 20 fire tenders from different fire stations in Surat rushed to the spot to control the blaze. Firefighters wearing oxygen masks battled intense flames and toxic fumes for several hours before bringing the fire largely under control by evening. Cooling operations continued late into the evening to prevent the flames from reigniting.
Fortunately, officials confirmed that no casualties have been reported so far, though several nearby industrial units and warehouses suffered heavy damage due to the spreading fire and repeated explosions.
The incident has revived memories of the November 2023 explosion at Aether Industries’ facility in Sachin, which had turned into one of the deadliest industrial accidents in Surat in recent years. In that incident, a massive reactor blast and subsequent fire had killed nine workers and injured several others, triggering a large-scale investigation into industrial safety practices.
Following the 2023 tragedy, authorities had ordered a review of safety measures at chemical industries operating in the Sachin and surrounding GIDC areas. However, the latest fire has once again put the spotlight on the safety protocols being followed at chemical manufacturing and storage facilities in the region.
Officials said the exact cause of the latest fire is yet to be determined, and a detailed investigation will be conducted after the situation is fully brought under control. Meanwhile, police have sealed the surrounding area to ensure safety and allow emergency teams to continue their operations.
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