Massive fire guts plywood factory in Pandhri, losses in lakhs

Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar

A fire engulfed R.K. Industries, a plywood door manufacturing unit in Pandhri Shivar, Adul, early Monday morning, reducing machinery, plywood stock and newly manufactured doors to ashes.

The fire, which broke out around 3 am, raged for nine hours before firefighters managed to bring it under control. The factory, owned by Vijay Patel, is located on Gat No. 27, along the Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar-Beed Highway. Fifteen migrant workers from Bihar, who were asleep inside, escaped unhurt after noticing the flames. Within minutes, the fire spread rapidly, forcing workers to alert the owner, who then informed the fire brigade.

Fire visible from 10 km away

Three fire tenders from Padampura and Shendra MIDC fire stations rushed to the scene, but the flames had already intensified. As fire tenders exhausted their water supply, private tankers were deployed. Despite relentless efforts, everything inside was reduced to cinders. The fire was so fierce that its glow was visible from 10 km away.

Villagers join firefighters in rescue efforts

Over 150 villagers from Pandhri rushed to assist firefighters, including Laxman Kolhe, Krishna Holambe, Chhatrapati Kekan, Deepak Lawhale, and others, in their battle against the blaze. Meanwhile, police registered a report at Karmad Police Station.

No fire safety measures in place

The factory, spread across two acres, lacked basic fire safety measures and did not possess an NOC from the fire department. Officials confirmed that the absence of safety protocols worsened the impact. The exact financial loss remains unknown, but preliminary estimates suggest damages in lakhs of rupee