Shah J. Choudhury : At least four workers were killed after molten metal exploded at a factory in Assam’s Cachar district, triggering a major emergency response and raising fresh concerns over industrial safety.
The explosion reportedly occurred around 11 a.m. at a unit of K D Global Infrastructure LLP in the Udharbond area. The blast was reportedly powerful enough to be heard across nearby areas, according to local residents.
The victims have been identified as Appu Baraik, Kiran Munda, Shyamal Gaur and Sagar Nath. Police said all four workers died at the scene. Their bodies have been sent for post-mortem examinations.
Police, fire and emergency response teams rushed to the factory following the incident and launched rescue operations. Several injured workers were reportedly taken to hospital for treatment.
Assam Minister Kaushik Rai visited the site following the incident. Authorities have initiated multiple investigations to determine the exact cause of the explosion and to establish whether all mandatory industrial safety measures were being properly followed at the factory.
A magistrate-level inquiry, a police investigation and a separate inquiry by the district labour authorities are reportedly underway.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has announced financial assistance of Rs 5 lakh for the family of each deceased worker. The factory management has also been urged to provide appropriate compensation to the victims’ families.
Some local residents have reportedly claimed that minor explosions had occurred at the factory in the past. However, these claims have not yet been independently confirmed. Investigators are expected to examine whether there were any previous safety incidents at the facility.
The incident has cast a pall of grief over the area and has once again highlighted concerns over workplace safety in industrial units. The findings of the ongoing investigations are expected to shed light on the circumstances that led to the deadly explosion and whether any safety lapses contributed to the tragedy.
Source: NDTV
