SynZeal Pharmachem reactor explosion kills five in Gujarat

A powerful explosion occurred at the SynZeal Pharmachem pharmaceutical manufacturing unit in the Saykha GIDC estate of Bharuch, Gujarat, late Friday night. The blast took place in a 15-kilolitre reactor during a hydrogenation process, sending debris and heavy machinery parts beyond the factory walls. The shockwave was reportedly audible up to 15 kilometres away.

The incident resulted in the deaths of five workers, including shift in-charge Jaideep Patel, Aniketkumar Harikishor, Arjun Ramsingh Gautam, and Vrund Talavia. At least six others were injured, with several reported to be in critical condition. The injured were transported to hospitals in Bharuch and Vadodara for medical treatment.

Following the blast, a leak of methylene dichloride (MDC) gas was reported, causing a chemical haze and severe eye irritation among workers and nearby residents. The Gujarat Pollution Control Board (GPCB) and the Industrial Safety and Health Department have launched investigations to determine the cause of the explosion and whether the facility complied with industrial safety requirements.