Surat : Aether Industries Warehouse Fire Triggers 30 Explosions in Sachin 

Surat | Gujarat — A massive blaze ripped through a chemical warehouse in Surat’s Sachin Hojiwala industrial area on  Wednesday afternoon, triggering a series of powerful explosions that shook surrounding factories and sent thick plumes of smoke visible from nearly five kilometres away. The fire, which erupted around 1 pm in the warehouse of Ather Company, quickly spread to nearby industrial units, creating panic across the busy industrial zone.

According to preliminary reports, chemical drums stored inside the warehouse began exploding one after another, intensifying the flames and causing severe damage to surrounding structures. Firefighters struggled for hours to control the inferno as hazardous chemicals fuelled the blaze.

Authorities said more than 30 explosions were heard during the fire, while blasts from chemical drums and cylinders caused parts of a two-storey building to collapse.

Surat Police immediately cordoned off a one-kilometre radius around the site to prevent casualties and allow emergency teams to operate safely.

Deputy Commissioner of Police Rajesh Parmar confirmed that emergency measures were taken soon after the incident.

“A fire broke out in the warehouse of Ather Company in Sachin Hojiwala compound. Police have sealed the surrounding area within a one-kilometre radius while firefighters are working continuously to control the blaze. So far, no casualties have been reported,” Parmar said.

The fire spread rapidly to neighbouring units including Shree Geeta Timber Plywood and Shakti Plywood, with Shree Geeta Timber Plywood reportedly being completely gutted. Nearby leaf-shed warehouses also caught fire as flames leapt from one structure to another due to repeated explosions.

Fire Officer Jaideep Israni said the situation became extremely dangerous due to a boiler blast inside the facility.

“The fire affected nearly four industrial units including a mill, an industry and a yarn godown. We managed to control the fire in the yarn godown and two wood mills, but firefighting operations are still underway in the main unit,” he said.

“A boiler and cylinder blast caused a portion of the building to collapse.”

More than 20 fire tenders from different stations across Surat were rushed to the spot. Firefighters wearing oxygen masks battled toxic smoke and chemical fumes, as several personnel reported irritation in the eyes and throat during the operation.

The blaze was largely brought under control by around 4 pm, though officials said cooling operations would continue for several hours to prevent the fire from reigniting.

Local resident Mohan Patel, who works nearby, described the terrifying moments when explosions rocked the area.

“The explosions were so loud that my heart started racing. Chemical drums were bursting and flames were spreading onto the road. We were worried the fire would reach our workshop, but the fire brigade arrived just in time,” he said.

Thick black smoke from the blaze was visible across large parts of the city, raising concerns about possible chemical pollution.

Authorities have launched an investigation to determine the exact cause of the fire and assess the extent of damage to industrial units in the area. Preliminary estimates suggest that goods stored in the warehouses may have suffered significant financial losses.