At least 7 people reportedly died after a massive fire broke out at a chemical factory in Rajasthan’s Bhiwadi district. This was the earliest count report even as fire tenders rushed to the spot and brought the blaze under control after hours of firefighting on Feb 16, 2026. Preliminary findings indicate that more than 20 people were present inside the factory when the blaze erupted. Several workers managed to escape as the fire spread, but nine were reportedly trapped inside the unit. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep sorrow over the tragic fire mishap in BhiwadI, Rajasthan. Additional District Magistrate Sumitra Prateek said that the factory where the fire broke out was a garment factory, but firecrackers were being manufactured inside it illegally. "The premises was leased out in the name of a garment factory but as per the preliminary report, firecrackers were being manufactured illegally," news agency PTI reported quoted her as saying. Authorities had not yet released details on the cause of the fire, said a report at that time.