Seven workers died in a tragedy on Monday morning, February 16, 2026, when a huge fire broke out in a chemical factory at Khushkhera-Karoli industrial area in Bhiwadi, Rajasthan. Two workers have reportedly continued to be trapped in the burning remains of the facility, according to reports, with the rescue teams searching frantically to get to them.
How the Tragedy Unfolded
The fire reportedly began in the morning shift, when more than 20 employees were on the factory floor. The flame spread with unsettling speed, fed by the extremely combustible chemicals stockpiled on the premises. While some of the workers managed to escape the flames with minor injuries, nine workers found themselves deep in the construction site.
#WATCH | Rajasthan: Seven people burned to death in a fire that broke out in a chemical factory in Bhiwadi of Khairthal-Tijara district. Their bodies have been recovered. Firefighting operations are underway. More details awaited.
— ANI (@ANI) February 16, 2026
(Video Source: Fire Department) pic.twitter.com/VjxVALnjh3
The incident came under the spotlight; a police patrol team passing through the industrial site spotted the thick clouds of black smoke and sounded an alarm immediately. "Nine people were inside when the fire erupted. So far we have recovered seven bodies," added Sumita Mishra, Additional District Magistrate. “We continue to focus on the two people that are still missing within the unit."
Emergency Response and Challenges
More than a dozen fire tenders were dispatched from around Bhiwadi, Alwar, and adjacent industrial complexes to the site. Firefighters encountered problems: the dangers that accompanied the poisonous fumes and potential secondary explosions of the chemicals' smoke from their chemical storage tanks were posing grave problems. Firefighters had to face significant problems during this period because of the toxic fumes and because firefighters needed to be prepared to be vigilant; chemical storage tanks could deliver secondary explosions.
When the main fire was put out, seven workers died from the heat and smoke. The bodies being recovered then went to district hospital where they were taken for identification and post mortem examination.
Safety Lapses Under the Scanner
There has not yet been confirmation that a direct cause of the fire is identified, but first suspicions for a short circuit or chemical reaction during operations have been given. This has once again called the spotlight on the industrial safety procedures in the Bhiwadi region that also experienced such disasters in recent years. Local labor unions and residents are calling for a top-level inquiry into the factory’s fire safety certifications and whether or not there were sufficient emergency exits and fire suppression systems available to take control of the explosion.
Government Action
The Rajasthan state government is grieving the death of many in such a massive event. District personnel have been instructed to assist the families of the deceased with everything they need, as well as to bring the injured into the appropriate medical services. An investigation has started to see if factory management negligence was the case.
