As per reports, a series of explosions took place at a chemical factory in the Kharvai MIDC (Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation) area of Badlapur in the Thane district at approximately 0430 hours of Thursday (18 January). The explosions resulted in a large fire, which spread to the parking area outside the factory premises, resulting in several vehicles catching fire.

Several fire brigades from adjoining municipalities of Ambernath, Badlapur and Ulhasnagar were deployed to the spot, and managed to contain the fire after roughly four hours. Cooling and containment operations are currently ongoing. The explosions and resulting fires caused one fatality and left four persons injured, with details awaited on the severity of injuries, and further casualties. The cause of the explosion is yet to be ascertained.