• Published: Feb 16 2026 06:12 PM
  • Last Updated: Feb 16 2026 06:22 PM

Tragic chemical factory fire in Rajasthan's Bhiwadi kills 7 workers on Feb 16, 2026. 2 still trapped amid explosions. Latest updates, rescue efforts, safety concerns & CM response in Khushkhera.



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A massive fire at a chemical factory in Rajasthan has turned into one of the deadliest industrial disasters of early 2026. At least seven people have lost their lives, while two workers are still believed to be trapped inside the collapsed structure. Rescue teams are racing against time as thick smoke, toxic fumes, and unstable debris make the operation extremely dangerous.

Shocking Start to the Day in Bhiwadi

Imagine starting your morning shift, and suddenly smoke fills the air. That's what happened around 9:30 AM on February 16, 2026, at plot G-1, 118 in Khushkhera's busy industrial zone. About 25 workers were inside when thick black clouds began rising, turning into roaring flames fast.

Local police on their usual patrol spotted the danger first. They called for help right away, and soon fire trucks from Khushkhera and Bhiwadi RIICO stations raced in. Six fire tenders battled hard for over 90 minutes to tame the beastly blaze. But the fire fed on piles of cardboard stored there, making it extra tough.

Boom! Eyewitnesses heard three or four loud blasts that shook the ground. Many think gas cylinders inside went off like fireworks gone wrong. The factory had been shut for months, so no one expected workers to be there fixing things up.

Who Lost Their Lives in Rajasthan Factory Fire

The news gets sadder: nine people got stuck as walls of fire closed in. Rescuers pulled out seven charred bodies by afternoon. Names aren't out yet to respect families, but they were everyday workers from nearby villages, earning a living in this chemical hub.

Two brave souls remain trapped deep inside as of 5 PM IST. Rescue teams with oxygen masks and cutters are digging through twisted metal and ashes. Doctors at nearby hospitals stand ready for any survivors. Every minute counts in this race against time.

Additional District Magistrate Sumita Mishra led the ground efforts. "Police acted fast on patrol. Seven bodies recovered; we're not stopping till we save the last two," she shared with reporters.

Rajasthan's Bhiwadi

Explosions Rock Khushkhera Chemical Plant

What turned a small smoke into a killer fire? Experts point to stored cardboard catching easy, plus those mystery blasts. Gas cylinders exploding could spread flames like wildfire in dry grass. Short circuit? Faulty wiring? A full probe will tell soon.

Nearby factories got emptied quick as a safety step. Power lines shut off to stop more sparks. The air filled with bad smells from burning chemicals, making eyes water even blocks away. Kids in schools nearby stayed inside till danger passed.​

Fire officer Raju Khan said cooling the hot spots took hours extra. "Flames jumped high, but our team didn't back down." No other injuries reported outside the factory, thanks to fast alerts.

Rajasthan CM Bhajan Lal Sharma Steps In

Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma heard the bad news and felt deep pain. He ordered top medical care for anyone hurt and aid for families. "My heart goes out to those who lost loved ones. Full support from government," his office said.​

Local leaders rushed to the site too. Rajasthan Congress chief Govind Singh Dotasra blamed lax safety rules. He recalled a tanker flip on Ajmer Road last year that killed 16, saying these fires happen too often.

No word yet from Prime Minister's office, but national channels like CNBC-TV18 covered it live, showing smoke plumes.

Why Bhiwadi Factories Face Fire Risks

Bhiwadi isn't new to trouble. This industrial town in Alwar district, part of Khairthal-Tijara, packs over 1,000 units making chemicals, dyes, and more. Jobs draw workers from Haryana and UP borders, but old buildings spell danger.​

Rajasthan sees 200+ factory fires yearly, per past records. Causes? Poor wiring, chemical mixes, blocked exits. Laws like Factories Act 1948 demand sprinklers and drills, but many skip checks. This closed plant stored extras, against rules maybe.

After this, officials plan safety drives. "All units must check gear now," said district heads. Workers' unions demand better insurance and training.​

Rescue Heroes of Khushkhera Blaze

Meet the real stars: Firefighters in heavy suits, crawling through heat. They used water jets and foam on chemical fires that water alone can't kill. Police cleared roads for ambulances zipping injured to Alwar hospitals.

Volunteers handed water and food to tired rescuers. Drones scanned roofs for trapped folks. By evening, fire was 90% out, but searches go on under bright lights.​

One worker who escaped shared: "Smoke choked us. I jumped a window, but friends couldn't." His story pushes teams harder.​

Damage After Rajasthan Chemical Fire

Goods worth lakhs turned to dust. Chemicals, cardboard stacks—gone. Factory owners face huge bills, plus probe fines. Insurance might cover some, but lost wages hit families hard.​

Area power flickered back on slow. Schools reopened next day with counseling. Shops near sold masks as worried folks stocked up.​

Lessons from Past Rajasthan Fires

Remember Faridabad's blaze killing two? Or Hisar's coal suffocation taking three? Patterns show: Storage risks, no alarms. Nationally, 2025 saw 15 big factory deaths.​

Govt pushes Fire NOC reforms since 2023. New rules want auto alarms, wide doors. But enforcement lags in boom towns like Bhiwadi.​

Voices from Bhiwadi Community

Mothers worry for sons in factories. "My boy works shifts; what if next?" one said. Protests brewed calm, demanding owner arrests if guilty.​

Social media buzzes with #BhiwadiFire, prayers, anger at safety gaps. Influencers share tips: Check exits at work!

Victims in Bhiwadi Chemical Factory Fire

Officials recovered seven charred bodies from the blaze at Plot G-1, 118 in Khushkhera's chemical plant. Reports confirm these workers hailed from Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, drawn to Rajasthan's industrial jobs.

  • Everyday laborers on maintenance shift when fire struck around 9:30 AM.
  • Likely locals from nearby villages or migrants seeking steady pay in Bhiwadi's 1,000+ factories.
  • No ages or personal details shared yet; police prioritize DNA checks for quick family alerts.

Two Workers Still Trapped

Rescue teams focus on these missing souls deep in the debris, using cutters and oxygen gear non-stop

  • Suspected Bihar/UP residents, per eyewitness tips to ADM Sumita Mishra.
  • Last seen near storage zones hit hardest by blasts; hopes high with cooling complete.timesofindia.
  • Hospitals on standby; every update watched closely by anxious kin gathering outside.

Final Hope for Trapped Workers

With flames out and walls cooled, cutters echo in the dark. One more push, and those two might walk out to cheers. Rajasthan stands united, praying dawn brings only good news from this fiery trial.

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FAQ

The exact cause is still under investigation, but officials suspect a chemical reaction or safety violation.

Seven deaths have been confirmed so far.

Yes, teams are still searching for two workers believed to be trapped.

The incident occurred in an industrial area near Jaipur in Rajasthan.

Authorities have restricted access due to toxic risks.

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