Fire Breaks Out at JSW Steel Plant in Palghar; No Casualties Reported
The blaze at the Boisar plant was extinguished early morning; a damage assessment is underway by authorities.
A fire broke out early Thursday at the JSW Steel plant in Maharashtra’s Palghar district, prompting a swift response from emergency services but resulting in no casualties, officials confirmed. The incident, which occurred at 5 a.m. in the hydraulic oil system of the Pickling Line and Tandem Cold Mill (PLTCM) unit, highlighted the vulnerabilities in heavy industrial operations despite robust safety measures.
District Disaster Management Cell Chief Vivekanand Kadam stated that plant emergency protocols were activated immediately upon detection, with the Boisar Industrial Estate fire brigade mobilised to contain the blaze. Firefighters worked for nearly three hours, fully extinguishing the flames by 7:45 a.m. “There was no loss of life or injuries, thanks to the timely intervention and adherence to safety drills,” Kadam said. The PLTCM unit, integral to the steel production process, handles the pickling and cold rolling of metal sheets, where hydraulic systems are prone to leaks or overheating under high-pressure conditions.
The JSW Steel facility in Boisar, one of the largest integrated steel plants in the region, spans over 1,000 acres and employs thousands, contributing significantly to India’s steel output and the local economy. Established in the 1990s, it specialises in value-added steel products for automotive and construction sectors, underscoring its role in Maharashtra’s industrial corridor. Plant management, in coordination with local police, is now evaluating property damage, which preliminary reports suggest could affect equipment but not overall operations. Technical teams from JSW and external experts are investigating the cause, potentially linked to a hydraulic fluid ignition, a common risk in such environments.
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This incident follows a string of minor fires at industrial sites in Palghar, a coastal district hosting numerous factories due to its proximity to Mumbai. Authorities have urged enhanced fire safety audits across the Boisar estate, emphasising regular maintenance of fluid systems and employee training. JSW Steel reaffirmed its commitment to zero-harm operations, promising a detailed report once assessments conclude.
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