A massive fire following a blast at a chemical factory in Gujarat’s Bharuch district on Tuesday left two dead, 23 injured and five people missing, reported PTI quoting a police official. The incident took place at United Phosphorus Limited’s plant in Jhagadia GIDC industrial area, said inspector PH Vasava. 

“Two bodies have been found so far from the debris inside the factory. Search is underway for five workers who are still missing,” inspector Vasava said. The fire started after an explosion around 2 am, he added.

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Out of 23 injured workers, nine were hospitalised, he said.

The blast was so powerful that it was heard a long distance away, Vasava said.

Around 15 firefighters were rushed to the spot and the fire was brought under control by 6.30 am, he added.

The factory makes chemicals that are used in the pharmaceutical industry, sources told PTI. 

The state’s Labour and Employment Department issued orders to close the unit and said it will review its safety aspects. It also ordered the factory owners to pay ex-gratia compensation to the deceased workers’ families, it said in a release.