At least 18 Indians among 23 killed in blast in Sudan ceramic factory, 130 injured

About 130 people have received severe injuries and are hospitalised.

The blast in the gas tanker triggered a massive fire in an industrial area resulting in the overall death of 23.

Meanwhile, 16 Indians are also missing following the blast that took place at Seela Ceramic Factory in Bahri area in Khartoum.

In a statement, the Indian Embassy said: "Reference Advisory dated 03.12.2019 on the fire incident at the Seela Ceramic Factory, Bahri, Khartoum."

"As per latest reports, but so far not confirmed officially, 18 are dead," it said.

"The status of others are as per lists given below, but some of the missing may be in the list of dead which we are still to receive as identification is not possible because of the bodies being burnt," read the statement.

On receiving the news, Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed anguish over the incident and tweeted: "Anguished by the blast in a ceramic factory in Sudan, where some Indian workers have lost their lives and some are injured. My thoughts are with the bereaved families and prayers with the injured. Our Embassy is providing all possible assistance to those affected."

Expressing sadness over the incident, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar tweeted: "Have just received the tragic news of a major blast in a ceramic factory “Saloomi” in the Bahri area of the capital Khartoum in Sudan. Deeply grieved to learn that some Indian workers have lost their lives while some others have been seriously injured."

He also shared the emergency numbers through social media with the families of the workers engaged in the factory at Sudan.

"The Embassy representative has rushed to the site. A 24-hour emergency hotline +249-921917471 has been set up by  @EoI_Khartoum .
Embassy is also putting out updates on social media. Our prayers are with the workers and their families," Jaishankar posted.

He informed that of the 60 Indian employees at the factory, 53 were present at the site during the blast.

"Sadly, we have reports of fatalities among Indian workers and we are trying to ascertain the numbers. The injured have been admitted at Al-Amal Hospital, Omdurman Teaching Hospital and Ibrahim Malik Hospital," he informed.

The Foreign Minister stated that: "Our Ambassador has visited these hospitals and assured that all possible assistance will be provided. Our Embassy
@EoI_Khartoum  has reached out to the injured workers & their families, extending necessary help in this difficult time."

"The Embassy is in constant touch with the factory management. Embassy staff has been stationed at the site as well.  We are working with the Sudanese authorities to facilitate the identification of the deceased at the earliest," he added.

As per preliminary reports in media, lack of proper safety measures and random storage of flammable products have resulted in the devastation after the blast.