Five killed in SynZeal Pharmachem explosion in Bharuch

An explosion at SynZeal Pharmachem in Bharuch district killed five workers and injured others during a hydrogenation process, officials said. A Directorate of Industrial Safety and Health official said the blast caused a leak of methylene dichloride gas. The number of injured workers was reported as either five or six. The blast occurred late Friday, October 16, at the company’s plant in the Saykha industrial estate in Vagra taluka, according to officials. Bharuch SubDivisional Magistrate Manisha Manani said the explosion happened while hydrogenation was underway. The process is used in chemical manufacturing, and the plant produces pharmaceutical intermediates, she said. Superintendent of Police Akshyaraj Makwana said five workers died. Officials identified them as Jaydeep Maheshbhai Patel, Bhavik Dilipkumar Vasava, Vrund Talaviya, Aniket Harilal Gautam and Arjunkumar Ramsingh Gautam. The injured workers were receiving medical treatment, according to officials. Reports differed on whether five or six people were hurt, and the available information did not resolve the count. The explosion damaged the reactor and scattered machinery parts around the plant, according to the...