10 September,2025 -At least 25 workers were injured on Wednesday, September 10, after a boiler exploded and triggered a gas leak at the Gujarat Fluorochemicals Limited (GFL) facility in Ghoghamba, Panchmahal district. The incident occurred in the afternoon, causing panic among employees and prompting a rapid response from emergency services.
According to officials, the explosion damaged a section of the industrial unit, resulting in the release of hazardous gases that spread through parts of the facility. Several workers sustained injuries ranging from minor burns to critical respiratory complications. Six of them are reported to be in serious condition and have been shifted to specialized hospitals in Vadodara for advanced treatment, while the others are receiving care at local medical centers.
District Collector Ashwini Kumar confirmed that a National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) team, along with fire brigade units and police personnel, were deployed to the site to contain the situation. Authorities immediately evacuated workers from the affected area and initiated rescue operations to ensure no one was trapped inside. Preliminary investigations suggest that a technical malfunction in the boiler system may have triggered the blast, though an official inquiry is underway to determine the exact cause.
The Gujarat government has taken cognizance of the incident, with Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel directing officials to ensure swift medical assistance to the injured. State Labour Department representatives have also been tasked with inspecting safety measures at the plant and reviewing compliance with industrial safety standards.
The Gujarat Fluorochemicals facility, part of the INOXGFL Group, is one of the leading chemical manufacturers in India, producing fluoropolymers, refrigerants, and specialty chemicals. The plant employs hundreds of workers and plays a significant role in the state’s industrial economy. However, the accident has once again raised concerns over workplace safety in chemical and manufacturing units across Gujarat, which has witnessed several industrial mishaps in recent years.
Local residents reported hearing a loud explosion followed by smoke emerging from the plant premises. “We heard a blast and saw workers running outside in panic. Many were coughing and struggling to breathe,” said one eyewitness. Officials confirmed that nearby areas were monitored for air quality and no major external contamination was detected beyond the factory boundaries.
Labour unions have urged authorities to conduct a thorough safety audit of the company and implement stricter monitoring mechanisms to prevent such incidents in the future. Industrial safety experts have also emphasized the need for regular maintenance of high-pressure equipment and emergency preparedness training for workers in hazardous industries.
As of Wednesday evening, the condition of the six critically injured workers remained under observation. The company management has assured full cooperation with the investigation and promised support to the affected families.
The Panchmahal incident has highlighted the urgent requirement for enhanced industrial safety protocols in Gujarat’s chemical sector. Authorities have pledged to review regulatory measures to prevent a recurrence, while rescue and medical teams continue to provide assistance to the injured workers.
