Five workers killed in reactor blast at Bharuch pharma plant

Five workers died and several others were injured in a reactor explosion at SynZeal Pharmachem in the Saykha GIDC industrial estate in Vagra taluka, Bharuch district, Gujarat, late on 16 October 2026. The blast occurred during a hydrogenation process in a large reactor and released methylene dichloride gas, creating a haze over the plant and nearby areas.

Police and district officials said the explosion was heard up to 15 kilometres away. Debris from the reactor landed outside the company premises. Emergency teams responded, and an investigation by the Industrial Safety and Health Department is underway. The plant had begun operations earlier in 2026 with a reported staff of around 53 employees.

Four of the deceased have been identified as Jaideep Patel, 27, a shift in-charge from Vagra; Aniketkumar Harikishor, 24; Arjun Ramsingh Gautam, 20; and Vrund Talavia. The fifth name was not immediately released. Injured workers were taken to hospitals in Bharuch.

This is the second major industrial explosion in Gujarat in two days. On 15 October, four migrant workers were killed in a blast at Kovika Dyes in Chhatral GIDC, Kalol taluka, Gandhinagar district, during work near a pressure vessel. Authorities attributed that incident to pressure buildup and are examining safety compliance at both sites.

Local officials have not yet stated whether the SynZeal plant held all required fire safety clearances. The force of the blast scattered machinery and metal sheets across the facility. Around 20 workers were on duty at the time, according to initial reports.

Industrial safety incidents in Gujarat's chemical and pharmaceutical clusters have drawn scrutiny in recent years. Investigations typically examine process controls, equipment maintenance and adherence to rules under the Factories Act.

No official statement on compensation or temporary closure of the unit has been issued as of Saturday morning.