Following a huge blast at the Gujarat Fluorochemicals (GFL) around 10 am this morning, a fire broke out at Ranjit Nagar in Ghoghamba taluka of Panchmahal district. Several workers have been injured in the blaze and a large number of casualties are feared. At the time of going to press, firefighters from Halol, Kalol, Godhra and private companies were still battling the blaze. Police officials from the district have confirmed an explosion took place at around 10 am Thursday. The sound of the explosion was heard several kilometres away in the taluka, the police said.
The injured have been taken to a private hospital in Halol. Meanwhile, the district collector arrived at the spot and is assessing the cause behind the blast. All roads leading to Ranjit Nagar have been cordoned off and blocked. Fortunately, the gas tankers have not leaked.