Breaking: Major explosion at Chemical Factory in Barnala
Disaster Averted as Workers Escape Moments Before Blast
Kamaljeet Sandhu
Barnala (Punjab), June 10, 2026: Panic gripped Fatehgarh Chhanna village in Barnala district late Tuesday night after a powerful explosion followed by a massive fire broke out at the IOL Chemical Factory, sending shockwaves across the surrounding area.
Despite the intensity of the blast, a major tragedy was averted as three workers managed to escape from the affected unit just moments before the explosion occurred.
According to factory official Basant Singh Jawandha, the incident took place at around 10:00 pm in Unit No. 9 of the facility, where three workers were on duty. The accident reportedly occurred after the temperature inside a large chemical tank used in the production of a medicine known as “Monexy” rose unexpectedly to dangerous levels.
Sensing the imminent risk, the workers immediately evacuated the unit. Within moments of their exit, the tank exploded with tremendous force, causing a major fire and scattering debris across the area.
Factory authorities credited the workers’ quick response for preventing loss of life and said that the plant’s safety mechanisms functioned in time to limit the extent of damage. No casualties have been reported.
Following the incident, Barnala Deputy Commissioner Harpreet Singh and Senior Superintendent of Police Mohammad Sarfaraz Alam rushed to the site shortly after midnight along with police teams. The senior officials conducted a detailed inspection of the affected unit and reviewed the factory’s safety arrangements.
The district administration stated that the situation has been brought under control and that an investigation is underway to determine the exact technical cause of the explosion.
The incident has also raised questions after media personnel were reportedly not allowed to enter the factory premises for coverage following the blast. Authorities, however, have yet to comment on the restrictions imposed on journalists at the site.