THANE: Ten people have lost their lives and over 68 others injured and over a dozen went missing after a major fire erupted, following a massive boiler explosion at a chemical factory, Amudan Chemicals situated in Phase 2 of the Dombivli MIDC (Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation) complex, in Thane district on Thursday. 

Although the initial estimate of the number of dead was reported to be eight, however, two days following the incident more bodies were recovered from the site. According to a senior official from Kalyan Dombivli Municipal Corporation two bodies were recovered on Saturday of which one was identified as Rajesh Rajput while the other is unidentified. The official also added that they had found some more body parts around the spot, and further probes were still on till Sunday and yet 10 others have been still reported missing to the police. 

The bodies of the deceased persons were badly disfigured in the fire, and the police are collecting their DNA samples to match with their family members to ascertain the identity of the deceased persons. Five bags of body parts were brought to the Bai Rukminibai Hospital, Kalyan to secure DNA samples from the teeth, hair or long bones, to ascertain the identity of the missing people.

Amudan Chemicals Company reportedly owned by Malay Mehta (38) and his wife Sneha Mehta mother Malti Mehta (70) who are residents of Ghatkopar in Mumbai exploded, triggering a massive blaze. Due to the fire, drums containing chemicals started bursting, shattering window panes of nearby houses. 

The Thane police on Friday registered a case under sections 304 (culpable homicide not amounting to murder), 324 (voluntarily causing hurt), 326 (voluntarily causing grievous hurt by using dangerous weapons or means), 285 (negligent conduct with respect to fire or combustible matter), 286 (negligent conduct involving explosive substances), 427 (mischief) and 34 (common intention) of the IPC and also relevant sections of the Explosive Act 1884, Explosive Substances Act and Section 4 of Damage to Public Property Act.

Malay Mehta was arrested from Nashik on Friday, however, others including his mother Malti were not arrested but served a notice to join the investigation later.  Malay was produced before the court on Saturday. Seeking 14 days’ custody, the police told the court that they wanted to check whether Malya and his other company employees followed due safety measures while storing substances that could cause an explosion. 

Deputy Commissioner of Police Parag Manere said, "We want to understand from Malay Mehta who are the other partners of the company. Also what kind of materials were brought inside the unit that caused the explosion." The Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) on Friday served a closure notice to the company owner and they would not be able to start the business without taking its clearance.