Baddi, Himachal Pradesh – The Baddi industrial area in Himachal Pradesh’s Solan district witnessed a devastating fire at a perfume manufacturing unit, claiming the lives of five individuals while leaving many injured and several missing. The tragic incident occurred around 2:45 pm on Friday, and firefighters are still battling to bring the blaze under control nearly 24 hours later.
Deputy Commissioner of Solan, Manmohan Sharma, confirmed the grim update, stating that the fire, fueled by inflammable substances used in perfume and cosmetics production, continues to pose challenges for containment efforts. In addition to the fatalities, 31 individuals have sustained injuries, with nine people still unaccounted for.
The factory head of N R Aromas company, Chander Shekhar, has been arrested following the registration of an FIR under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code, including negligence and endangering life. Director General of Police Sanjay Kundu has formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to conduct a comprehensive inquiry into the incident.
A magisterial inquiry has also been ordered by the deputy commissioner, ensuring that the cause of the fire will be thoroughly investigated. Adequate compensation is promised for the families of the deceased and the injured.
Eyewitnesses describe a scene of chaos as people jumped from the building’s upper floors to escape the flames, resulting in multiple injuries. The exact cause of the fire is yet to be determined.
Thick smoke from the burning cosmetic materials hindered the firefighting operations, prompting workers to seek refuge on the building’s roof for safety. The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) is assessing the structural safety of the site while working to clear hazardous gases.
As anxious family members and friends wait outside the factory, a video of a distraught mother, whose daughter is among the missing, has gone viral on social media, highlighting the emotional toll of the tragedy.
Rescue operations are ongoing, with the NDRF, local authorities, and a soon-to-be-arriving Central Forensic Science Team collaborating to bring the situation under control and determine the cause of the devastating fire. Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, unable to visit the site due to inclement weather, has expressed condolences and assured all necessary support to the affected families.
Sources By Agencies
