Surat: The Gujarat Pollution Control Board (GPCB) issued a closure notice to Aether Industries Limited (AIL) on Friday. The board also imposed a temporary fine of Rs 50 lakh for environmental damage following a fire at AIL’s Sachin GIDC plant that resulted in the tragic loss of seven lives on Wednesday. The closure notice was issued under Section 31(A) of the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act.

The incident on Wednesday, as reported by company officials, was likely triggered by a leakage from a Tetra Hydro Furan storage tank, resulting in a vapor cloud upon contact with air. A nearby spark caused a blast and subsequent fire. Out of the 200 employees present, seven were declared missing and later found dead. Additionally, five out of the 24 injured workers are in critical condition, undergoing treatment in different city hospitals, with doctors expressing concern over their health due to severe burns.

The Forensic Science Laboratory has also initiated an investigation to determine the precise cause of the fire and blast by collecting samples from the plant.

The GPCB directed AIL to halt production during the ongoing investigation into the factory fire, instructing the company to adhere to directives from the Directorate of Industrial Safety and Health (DISH) and submit a compliance report. AIL was also required to submit safety audit and HAZOP study reports. Additionally, the company was instructed to dispose of wastewater and other materials destroyed in the fire in a scientifically approved manner. DeshGujarat