Ramgarh: Three workers have died following a furnace explosion at a private steel plant in Ramgarh district, officials confirmed on Tuesday, raising concerns over industrial safety in the region.
The blast occurred in the Hesla area around 4 am on Monday, leaving nine workers injured. According to state Chief Factory Inspector Manish Kumar Sinha, seven of the injured suffered more than 60 per cent burn injuries and were shifted to a hospital in Ranchi for advanced treatment.
“Three workers out of the seven referred to Ranchi have succumbed to their injuries,” Sinha said.
The deceased have been identified as Akhila Rai, Brijlal Bedia and Mahesh.
In response to the incident, the state’s Labour and Employment Department has constituted a seven-member committee to investigate the cause of the explosion. Officials said the team has already reached the site and begun its probe.
Meanwhile, Ramesh Ravidas stated that the families of the deceased will receive ₹21 lakh each as compensation from the plant management, following an agreement reached after protests by local villagers.
The state government has also directed the company to ensure proper medical care for the injured, with instructions to refer critically injured workers to hospitals in New Delhi if necessary.
The incident has once again highlighted safety concerns in industrial units, with authorities now under pressure to ensure stricter compliance with safety norms.
