A massive fire erupted in a chemical factory in Govindpura Industrial Area of the state capital on Saturday, causing significant damage not only to the factory itself but also to two nearby factories.

The fire, which broke out around 1:30 pm, was so intense that the flames soared up to 40 feet, with thick black smoke visible from a distance of 10 kilometers. The smoke cloud caused panic in the area, and a large crowd gathered, leading to a traffic jam. Police were called in to clear the area and ensure the safety of civilians.

The fire started in the Anand Organics chemical factory, located behind the Tata and Mahindra showrooms on JK Road. This factory, owned by Prem Chawla, produced thinner, and a large stock of 40,000 liters of chemicals was stored in the rear section of the building.

The fire’s intensity worsened when a large cylinder within the factory premises burst, causing a further escalation of the blaze. As the fire raged on, two nearby factories also became engulfed in flames.

The response to the fire was swift, with 12 fire engines and 50 water tankers dispatched to the scene from various fire stations, including those in Govindpura, Pul Bogda, and Fatehgarh.

Firefighters worked tirelessly for five hours to control the blaze. Initially, the fire was tackled using water, but this only intensified the flames, as water reacted with the chemicals. Eventually, firefighters mixed foam with water to extinguish the fire more effectively. The rear walls of the factory were also broken down with the help of a JCB to access the stored chemicals, which helped bring the fire under control.

The large-scale fire and the thick smoke that billowed into the air created a hazardous environment. The fire’s impact was felt across the industrial area, as the flames spread rapidly, damaging not only the Anand Organize factory but also affecting the neighboring factories. Employees from these factories had to be evacuated, and some workers from the affected factory were injured due to the blaze.

The cause of the fire is suspected to be a short circuit. The explosion of a large cylinder within the factory compound amplified the fire’s ferocity, leading to heightened concern among the nearby businesses. As a precautionary measure, showroom operators in the vicinity, including those of the Tata and Mahindra showrooms, shut their establishments to ensure the safety of their employees and customers.