The deadly fire in Bhiwadi has raised serious concerns about workplace safety, with questions emerging over emergency preparedness and protective measures in industrial units across the region.
BY PC Bureau
February 16, 2026 — A devastating blaze engulfed an industrial unit in the Khushkhera industrial area of Bhiwadi, leaving at least seven workers charred to death and sparking widespread outrage over workplace safety lapses and illegal operations. The incident, which occurred on Monday morning, has once again highlighted recurring concerns about hazardous industries operating without proper oversight in Rajasthan’s industrial belts.
According to police and district administration officials, the fire broke out suddenly around 10 a.m. in a facility located in the Khushkhera-Karoli industrial zone. Thick black smoke billowed from the building, followed by multiple loud explosions that sent shockwaves through the surrounding area. Eyewitnesses reported hearing three to four blasts, intensifying panic among workers and nearby residents.
🚨 TRAGIC! At least 7 workers killed after a massive fire engulfed a factory in Bhiwadi, Rajasthan.
PM Modi expressed grief over the loss of lives and conveyed condolences to the bereaved families. pic.twitter.com/oEsIg8XkgM
— Megh Updates 🚨™ (@MeghUpdates) February 16, 2026
Preliminary reports indicate that approximately 25 workers were present at the site when the fire erupted. Many managed to escape in the initial moments, but several individuals became trapped inside as the flames spread rapidly. Rescue teams, including multiple fire tenders from Bhiwadi and nearby areas, rushed to the scene and battled the inferno for several hours. The blaze was eventually brought under control, though cooling operations continued well into the afternoon to prevent re-ignition.
By late afternoon, authorities confirmed the recovery of seven bodies, all severely burned. Officials from the Khairthal-Tijara district administration, including Additional District Magistrate Sumitra Pareek, confirmed that seven persons had died in the tragedy. Conflicting early accounts mentioned a higher toll or the possibility of additional victims, but the confirmed figure stood at seven fatalities as rescue efforts concluded, with no survivors reported among those trapped.
Investigators revealed that the unit, ostensibly registered as a garment or chemical factory, was allegedly being used for the illegal manufacturing of firecrackers. A large stockpile of gunpowder, cardboard, and other highly flammable materials—along with possible gas cylinders—fueled the rapid spread of the fire and triggered the explosions. The factory had reportedly been non-operational for months, raising serious questions about how such hazardous activities were carried out undetected.
“The factory was rented out, and the tenant was manufacturing firecrackers illegally,” an official said. Authorities have launched a detailed probe to determine the exact cause of the fire and whether negligence, safety violations, or breaches of industrial regulations contributed to the high casualty count. Forensic teams and fire experts are examining the site, while police have registered a case and begun questioning both the owner and the tenant.
The tragedy has prompted an immediate political and administrative response. Senior state officials have been directed to visit the site and oversee relief and rescue efforts. Opposition leaders, including Govind Singh Dotasra, expressed condolences and called for a thorough investigation into safety violations and enforcement failures in industrial zones.
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Bhiwadi, part of Rajasthan’s industrial corridor near the Delhi-NCR region, hosts numerous chemical, manufacturing, and ancillary units. However, repeated incidents involving fires, explosions, and worker fatalities have exposed systemic safety failures, including inadequate fire protection systems, lack of regular inspections, unauthorized hazardous storage, and weak enforcement of factory regulations.
This latest disaster has renewed calls from labor unions, safety advocates, and local residents for stricter enforcement, mandatory fire safety audits, and decisive action against illegal industrial operations. Families of the deceased workers, many believed to be migrant laborers, are still awaiting formal identification and official notification.
As investigations continue, the incident stands as a stark reminder of the urgent need to strengthen workplace safety standards and regulatory oversight to prevent such avoidable tragedies. Authorities have assured that compensation and support will be provided to the victims’ families in accordance with government norms.
