Panic gripped Rajasthan’s Kapasan town after a powerful explosion at the Meherun chemical factory in Chittorgarh’s Rico industrial belt. Occurring on February 10, the blast was so intense that its roar reached 5 km away, jolting residents from their routines.
A massive plume of dark smoke rose ominously, signaling the outbreak of a massive blaze inside the facility. The sharp, chemical-laden odor permeated the air, forcing nearby communities to seal their homes and brace for the worst.
News of the disaster prompted immediate intervention from local leaders. Nagar Chairman Raj Vijayvargiya and official Vyavastha Baregama coordinated the dispatch of emergency services. Meanwhile, legislator Arjun Lal Jingar informed District Collector Alok Ranjan, who activated full administrative machinery.
A high-level team including Police Superintendent Manish Tripathi, SDO Rajesh Suwalaka, DYSP Harji Lal Yadav, and Station House Officer Sunil Sharma arrived with reinforcements. Firefighting units from Chittorgarh supplemented the local teams in a grueling battle against the fire.
The flames were eventually subdued, averting a larger catastrophe. Relief swept through as no loss of life was confirmed. However, vigilance continues with advisories on chemical exposure issued to the public.
Collector Ranjan stated that a thorough inquiry into the explosion’s origins has begun, alongside checks on adjacent industrial units. The incident has heightened awareness about industrial safety lapses in the region.
As the smoke clears, questions linger on how such a volatile accident was allowed to happen. Enhanced regulations and regular audits could be the key to safeguarding lives in Rajasthan’s growing industrial hubs.