Gujarat Chemical Plant Explosion Kills Five, Leaves Five Injured

New Delhi, October 17, 2026 A deadly explosion at a chemical manufacturing facility in Gujarat’s Bharuch district claimed five lives and injured five others on Friday night. The incident occurred during an industrial process at the plant, with the blast reportedly damaging critical equipment and triggering a leak of toxic gas. The explosion took place at around 10 pm on Friday at SynZeal Pharmachem in the Saykha GIDC area of Vagra taluka. Officials said the blast occurred during a hydrogenation process, leading to the release of methylene dichloride (MDC) gas. Bharuch Sub-Divisional Magistrate Manisha Manani said SynZeal Pharmachem had been established in Saykha only a year ago and was engaged in manufacturing pharmaceutical intermediates. The explosion is suspected to have taken place during the hydrogenation process. According to Manani, the blast was so powerful that it tore apart the reactor tank, sending machinery parts scattering across the factory premises. The explosion left five workers dead and five others injured, officials confirmed on Saturday. The incident highlights the potentially devastating consequences of industrial accidents involving chemical processes and hazardous substances.