Bahadurgarh factory blast caused by chemical reaction, not boiler: Report
Industry Department seeks report on safety compliance
The explosion at a chemical factory in Bahadurgarh last week was not caused by a boiler blast, but was likely triggered by an uncontrolled chemical reaction inside a kettle during the manufacturing process, according to a report submitted by the local office of the Department of Industry and Commerce to Deputy Commissioner Varsha Khangwal.
Confirming the findings, Joint Director (Industry) Sanjit Kaur ruled out initial speculation of a boiler malfunction. Instead, she pointed to several industrial risk factors associated with chemical manufacturing units handling volatile and flammable substances such as vinyl acetate monomer (VAM), a key ingredient used in adhesive and PVA-based production.
The explosion occurred at a factory in the Modern Industrial Estate, Bahadurgarh, on May 22, leaving one worker dead and seven others injured. The Deputy Commissioner has ordered a magisterial inquiry into the incident, to be conducted by Bahadurgarh SDM Abhinav Siwach.
“One of the major possible causes was the ignition of highly flammable VAM vapours. Investigators noted that even a minor leak in storage tanks, pipelines, or valves could allow vapours to accumulate in enclosed spaces. A spark from faulty electrical wiring, static discharge, or nearby maintenance work could then ignite the vapour cloud, leading to a massive explosion,” said Kaur.
She further stated that investigators had also observed that combustible dust explosions from powdered raw materials and unsafe maintenance activities involving welding or grinding may have contributed to the incident.
Kaur said since verifying safety norms in factories falls under the Directorate of Industrial Safety and Health, a report has been sought regarding whether the unit was complying with prescribed safety standards and when it was last inspected.
“The report is still awaited. Further action will be taken based on its findings,” she added.
Meanwhile, experts have stressed the need for stricter industrial safety audits, proper maintenance protocols, regular inspection of chemical handling systems, and better staff training for handling hazardous chemicals to prevent such incidents in future.
