Alwar, 16 February (H.S.): A catastrophic fire ripped through a chemical and firecracker factory in Bhiwadi's Khushkhera Karoli industrial area this morning, killing seven workers in a blaze fueled by explosive materials that left rescuers sifting through charred body parts.

The tragedy unfolded around 9:30 AM when deafening explosions triggered flames that engulfed the unit instantaneously, trapping laborers inside; fire brigades from Bhiwadi, Khushkhedra, Tijara, Dharuhera, and Rewari battled for hours to douse the inferno.

Rescue Efforts Amid Fears of Additional Casualty

RICO fire officer Raju Khan confirmed seven charred bodies recovered, some so badly burned that DNA identification is mandated; one worker remains possibly trapped amid debris, with nearby hospitals treating survivors as senior police and district officials probe safety violations and ignition causes—potentially short-circuit or chemical reaction.

Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma dispatched Forest Minister Sanjay Sharma from the assembly to the site, where high-level investigations into the facility's compliance have commenced amid a heavy security deployment.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar