A significant fire at a chemical factory in Bhiwadi, Rajasthan, has resulted in the deaths of seven workers. Rescue operations are underway as some individuals remain unaccounted for. The incident, which began on Monday morning, has prompted an immediate response from emergency services and has raised questions about industrial safety protocols in the region.

Timeline of Events and Initial Response
The fire was first reported on Monday, February 16, in the Khushkhera industrial area of Bhiwadi, Rajasthan.

The blaze ignited around 9:30 AM.
At the time of the fire, approximately 20-25 workers were reportedly present within the factory premises.
Emergency teams, including police, fire brigade personnel, and medical units, were dispatched to the scene promptly.
The area was cordoned off to facilitate rescue and relief efforts.
Firefighting operations lasted for about one-and-a-half hours to bring the blaze under control.
Reports indicate that police became aware of the incident during a routine patrol.
Casualties and Those Missing
Seven workers have been confirmed dead, having sustained fatal burns.
Initial reports indicated varying numbers of individuals trapped. Some accounts suggest two were trapped, while others mention nine, and some state several others are feared trapped.
Rescue efforts are ongoing to locate and recover any remaining individuals.
Location and Factory Details
The incident occurred at a chemical factory situated in the Khushkhera-Karoli industrial zone in Bhiwadi, Rajasthan.
One report specifies the location as plot number G1-118 in the Khuskheda Industrial Area.
A significant quantity of cardboard was reportedly found stored at the factory.
Official Statements and Initial Findings
Additional District Magistrate Sumita Mishra stated that police were alerted to the incident during a routine patrol and initiated a rescue operation.
Authorities have not yet officially confirmed the exact cause of the fire.
Industrial accidents in the region are frequently associated with chemical reactions or electrical short circuits, though no preliminary findings have been released regarding this specific event.
Broader Context of Industrial Incidents
This incident is not isolated. Recent weeks have seen other industrial accidents:
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A chemical storage tank explosion in Karnataka's Basaralu on Sunday resulted in the deaths of two migrant workers from Bihar and injured four others.
A mining disaster in Meghalaya on February 5, involving a dynamite explosion in an illegal rat hole mine, claimed the lives of miners from Meghalaya, Assam, and Nepal.
Expert Observations
The series of industrial fires in high-density industrial areas like Bhiwadi has brought safety protocols and exit accessibility into question.
The nature of chemical factories inherently presents risks associated with reactive materials and processes.
Summary and Implications
The fire at the Bhiwadi chemical factory has tragically claimed seven lives and highlights ongoing concerns regarding industrial safety standards. The immediate focus remains on the ongoing rescue efforts and a thorough investigation into the cause of the blaze. The recurring nature of such incidents in the region underscores the imperative for a comprehensive review and reinforcement of safety measures across industrial facilities. The exact number of individuals still unaccounted for will be a critical factor as the situation develops.
Sources Used:
CNBC TV18: https://www.cnbctv18.com/india/rajasthan-bhiwadi-khushkhera-chemical-factory-blast-death-toll-injuries-workers-trapped-rescue-operations-police-probe-ws-l-19850949.htm
NDTV: https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/rajasthan-bhiwadi-chemical-factory-fire-7-workers-dead-10-feared-trapped-11009461
News18: https://www.news18.com/india/bhiwadi-chemical-factory-fire-workers-dead-trapped-rescue-operation-video-live-updates-ws-l-9906394.html
The Federal: https://thefederal.com/category/states/west/rajasthan/bhiwadi-chemical-unit-fire-seven-dead-rescue-230096
The Economic Times: https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/india/several-killed-in-chemical-factory-fire-in-rajasthans-bhiwadi-some-trapped-inside/articleshow/128411867.cms
Hindustan Times: https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/bhiwadi-chemical-factory-fire-workers-killed-deaths-injuries-trapped-rajasthan-police-latest-news-101771222624647.html
Mathrubhumi: https://english.mathrubhumi.com/news/india/bhiwadi-chemical-plant-fire-deaths-february-16-2026-alwar-rajasthan-oskmcyk6
The Daily Jagran: https://www.thedailyjagran.com/india/rajasthan-fire-several-feared-dead-trapped-blaze-at-chemical-factory-in-bhiwadi-rescue-operation-underway-breaking-news-10298965
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