Fire in chemical unit triggers panic

Vadodara: A major fire broke out in a company making a series of chemicals at Popatpura near Godhra on Monday forenoon. Residents of nearby villages had to vacate their homes as a series of explosions were heard along with the fire.
The fire broke out at around 11.30am at Kusa Chemicals Pvt Ltd’s plant one where it manufactures lubricant oil additives.Firemen from across municipalities of Panchmahal district as well as those from private industries located in the nearby areas were rushed to douse the fire.
Ishwar Patel, who is the promoter of the factory, told media persons that the plant was making additives since 35 years. He added that the safety systems of the factory were turned on as soon as the fire broke out and all concerned departments were informed about the incident.
Fire fighters from Godhra, Halol and Kalol municipalities were amongst the first to respond to the fire. Fire engines as well as personnel from other factories located on the Godhra-Halol belt were also mobilised to take care of the situation.
Sources said that residents of a couple of villages located in the vicinity of the unit that caught fire vacated their homes during the day. A lane of the Godhra-Vadodara highway towards the factory was closed for safety reasons and to ensure smooth movement of emergency vehicles. A petrol pump located close to the factory was also closed.
Sub-divisional magistrate (SDM) Vishal Saxena said that the reason for the incident was not known immediately. He said that there were no casualties and an investigation would reveal into the causes. Sources said that the fire was brought under control at around 7.30pm on Monday night.