Several workers killed in explosion at chemical factory in UP’s Hapur

At least 12 workers were killed and several others suffered injuries in a boiler explosion at a chemical factory in western Uttar Pradesh’s Hapur district on Saturday afternoon. Rescue and relief measures were continuing at the factory, which is located in the Dholana area of the district, PTI reported, quoting officials.

The impact of the explosion was so intense that the roofs of nearby factories were damaged. It took three hours for fire tenders to contain the blaze.

Superintendent of Police of Hapur Deepak Bhuker said 21 were injured and undergoing treatment.

“The factory was given the licence to manufacture electronic items. And now, it is a matter of probe what exactly was going on here. This is a sad incident. Forensic teams have reached here and are collecting samples,” District Magistrate of Hapur Medha Roopam said.

“Our efforts are to ensure that the injured persons get the best medical treatment. Some of them have been referred to Safdarjung Hospital,” she added.

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath took to Twitter to offer condolences.

“The chief minister has directed district administration officers to go to the spot and oversee rescue and relief measures and extend all possible help to the victims and their families,” the CM’s office tweeted.

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President Ram Nath Kovind and Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief over the loss of lives.

“The accident in the chemical factory of Hapur, Uttar Pradesh is heart-wrenching. I express my condolences to the families of those who have lost their lives in this. The state government is actively involved in providing treatment to the injured and all possible help,” Modi tweeted.

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“Deeply saddened to hear about the death of many people due to an accident in a factory in Hapur, Uttar Pradesh. I express my condolences to the families of the deceased and wish the injured a speedy recovery,” Kovind said.

This is a developing story