At least seven people were killed after a fire broke out at a factory in the Bhiwadi area of Rajasthan’s Khairthal-Tijara district on Monday, officials said.
Preliminary investigations indicate that the unit, leased out as a garment factory, was illegally manufacturing firecrackers, Sumitra Mishra, Additional District Magistrate of Bhiwadi, said.
The incident came to light during routine police patrolling in the area, Mishra added. Police, fire brigade teams, medical personnel and administrative officials rushed to the spot and cordoned off the premises to carry out rescue and relief operations.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief over the loss of lives. In a post on X, he said, “The fire mishap in Bhiwadi, Rajasthan, is tragic and deeply saddening. 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 conveyed his condolences to the bereaved families and wished a swift recovery to those injured.
Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma termed the incident “extremely heartbreaking” and said the district administration had been directed to ensure immediate relief and rescue efforts.
(With agency inputs)
