Closure notice to Cadila Pharma’s Ankleshwar Plant

Ankleshwar: A major fire and explosion at the MPP-2 plant of Cadila Pharmaceuticals in Ankleshwar GIDC triggered panic in the industrial belt on Monday, leaving two workers seriously injured and prompting authorities to halt operations at the unit pending investigation.

According to officials, the incident occurred during the sodium carbonate loading process at the company’s manufacturing facility. A sudden blast followed by a fire engulfed the area, trapping two workers on duty in the flames. Both workers sustained severe burn injuries and were initially provided first aid before being shifted to a private hospital in Vadodara for advanced treatment.

The impact of the explosion was reportedly severe, drawing immediate response from the GIDC police, fire and safety teams, and forensic experts. Police Inspector C.F. Thakor of GIDC Police Station, along with other officers and officials from the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL), visited the site and began a technical investigation to ascertain the exact cause of the explosion.

Authorities are probing whether the incident resulted from an industrial accident or possible lapses in safety protocols. Investigators are examining whether standard operating procedures were followed during the sodium carbonate loading operation and whether workers had been provided adequate safety equipment.

Following the incident, the Bharuch Industrial Safety and Health Department issued a closure notice to the company and ordered suspension of operations at the plant with immediate effect.

Officials said strict legal action could be initiated if the inquiry finds violations of industrial safety norms or negligence on the part of the management.