Major Fire at Singhal Industries in Kalol

Kalol: A massive fire broke out at Singhal Industries in the Santej industrial area near Kalol, prompting the deployment of multiple fire tenders. The blaze remained uncontrolled more than an hour after it broke out, with thick plumes of black smoke rising from the factory and triggering panic among neighbouring industrial units.

Seven fire tenders from Kalol, Kadi and Gandhinagar were initially deployed to tackle the blaze, while additional units were called in from Mansa, Ahmedabad and Vadsar. The fire department declared a ‘major call’ as firefighters struggled to bring the flames under control.

Workers and staff were present inside the factory when the fire broke out, triggering a scramble to evacuate the premises. However, preliminary inquiries by fire officials indicated that everyone had managed to escape. No casualties had been reported at the time of filing this report.

Aslam Chauhan, in-charge fire officer at the Kalol Fire Brigade, said three fire tenders from Kalol, two from Kadi and two large-capacity ‘Gajraj’ fire tenders from Gandhinagar had been deployed. Additional fire tenders were summoned from other areas to assist with the firefighting operation.

The fire is suspected to have spread rapidly due to the presence of highly flammable foam sheets and raw foam materials used to manufacture seats at the factory. The intense flames and heavy smoke hampered firefighting efforts, while some employees were seen attempting to salvage foam seats from the premises.

Police and fire brigade personnel rushed to the site after receiving information about the incident. Police cordoned off the surrounding area to prevent people from entering the premises and maintain law and order as firefighting operations continued.

S R Chaudhary, police inspector at Santej police station, said a police team had been dispatched immediately after the incident was reported. He added that the cause of the fire and the possibility of any casualties would be established after a detailed investigation.

Officials, including the Mamlatdar, also reached the spot. Further details are expected to emerge once the fire is brought under control. DeshGujarat