A major fire broke out at an ethanol manufacturing unit in Rajasthan’s Hanumangarh district on Thursday, sending thick black smoke billowing into the sky that was visible from several kilometres away. Firefighters battled the flames for nearly six hours before bringing the situation under control, Youth India reported.
Officials said eight fire tenders and more than 70 fire personnel were deployed to douse the blaze. Fire services from nearby districts were also called in to assist in the operation.
The presence of highly flammable chemicals and stored ethanol within the factory premises led to the rapid spread of the fire. Initial estimates suggest losses worth several crores of rupees, though official figures are yet to be released. As a precaution, authorities declared an alert within a one-kilometre radius of the factory and advised residents to remain indoors and avoid unnecessary movement.
Following the incident, villagers from nearby areas staged protests against the factory. They alleged that the plant had faced complaints related to pollution in the past and expressed concern over the risk posed by toxic smoke after the fire. Tensions briefly rose during the protest, but police and administrative officials reached the spot and brought the situation under control.
An inquiry has been ordered to determine the cause of the fire. Officials said a short circuit or a chemical reaction could have triggered the incident, but confirmation will come only after the investigation is complete. Traffic in the surrounding area was affected for some time. The factory’s operations have been suspended temporarily as a safety measure. Authorities said the situation is now fully under control and no major casualties have been reported.
