Fire Breaks Out at Privi Organics' Factory Near Mumbai

A major fire broke out after a blast at an aromatic chemicals factory of Privi Organics, in the MIDC area of Mahad (Raigad district) on April 26. Four staffers reportedly sustained minor injuries while trying to escape the fire. The fire brigade officials took over seven hours to douse the flame.

Privi Organics develops custom-made aroma chemicals as per requirements of their customers. The company has two manufacturing plants in the MIDC area.

“There was a blast in one of the plants shortly after noon. The fire spread fast due to strong wind and engulfed the plant,” said Raigad district collector Dr. Vijay Suryawanshi. The hydrogen tank in the Privi Organics plant was isolated to avoid a major mishap, he added.

“The fire broke out around 1.10 pm when most of the workers were out for lunch break. The few people who were still working inside it, came out to safety before it was too late,” said Mr. Abba Saheb Patil, senior police inspector of Mahad MIDC police station.

According to MIDC Mahad police, Mr. Gokarnam Erankai, who is the production general manager with the company, spotted sparks from electrical cables passing through the pipe rack falling into the Intermediate Bulk Container (IBC) in which chemicals were stored. He alerted the staff eating lunch at the canteen nearby that prevented any casualties in the massive fire.

The canteen, godowns, storage areas and offices were completely charred within minutes. Over 100 vehicles parked inside and outside the company boundary wall were burnt.