Surat : Controversy Surrounds SIT Formation in Aether Industries Fire

Surat : In the wake of the tragic incident at Aether Industries Limited in Sachin GIDC, Surat, where seven lives were lost and eight workers remain critically injured, the constitution of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) has stirred controversy.

Surat District Collector Ayush Oak took the initiative to form the SIT, appointing members directly involved in the routine inspections and safety audits at Aether Industries.

The SIT team comprises individuals such as Brijesh Chauhan, deputy director of the Department of Industrial Safety and Health (DISH); Dr. Jignasa Oza, regional officer of the Gujarat Pollution Control Board (GPCB); JR Chaudhary, police inspector of Sachin GIDC police station; and the electrical inspector of Surat JD Chaudhary. Their roles include overseeing safety regulations and conducting periodic checks at the Aether Industries facility.

Dr. Jignasa Oza, regional officer of GPCB had openly protected the company management on the other day stating that it was an ‘accident’ and the company followed all the safety protocols.

However, this move has sparked concerns within the environmentalist, questioning the impartiality of the investigation. Critics argue that involving officials responsible for regular safety inspections at the site could potentially compromise the objectivity and transparency of the probe.

While the SIT’s formation continues to be a subject of debate, environmental activists in Surat have called for a high-level inquiry into the incident. They urge Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel to initiate a thorough investigation to ascertain the cause behind the devastating fire.

MHS Shaikh, president of the Brackish Water Research Centre (BWRC), highlighted that the fire’s intensity was likely exacerbated by the leakage of Tetrahydrofuran (THF), a highly flammable liquid and vapor. Shaikh emphasized the low flash point of THF at -21 degrees Celsius, indicating its propensity to ignite upon contact with air. The catastrophic event, Shaikh speculated, might have been triggered by a THF leak from a storage tank, subsequently leading to a fire that escalated due to inadequate activation of fire extinguishing equipment.

Shaikh further raised concerns about the high number of casualties, stating that employees might have had enough time to seek refuge and escape. To validate the circumstances leading to the loss of lives, Shaikh urged the Industrial Safety Department and GPCB to delve deeper into the incident.

The situation remains intricate, with calls for an independent and exhaustive investigation intensifying while questions persist regarding the inclusion of officials responsible for routine safety oversight in the SIT. The tragic episode at Aether Industries continues to cast a pall over the community, prompting demands for accountability and a comprehensive review of safety protocols to prevent future mishaps.