Bokaro: Two people died following suspected carbon monoxide exposure at Vedanta ESL Steel Limited’s plant in Sialjori, under Chandankiyari block of Bokaro district, on Sunday morning. According to sources, the incident occurred at the plant’s Blast Furnace-1, raising fresh concerns over industrial safety.

The deceased have been identified as Sohan Mahto of Hazaribagh and Samir Ansari of Dhanbad. According to reports, the health of the company’s shift in-charge and an engineer employed by a business partner deteriorated after exposure to the gas. Both were rushed to a hospital, where doctors declared them dead.

Taking serious note of the incident, Bokaro Deputy Commissioner Ajay Nath Jha constituted an investigation committee headed by Chas Sub-Divisional Officer (SDO) Pranjal Dhanda. The committee has been directed to investigate all aspects of the incident and submit a detailed report within 72 hours.

Gas leak contained, officials monitor situation

Following the incident, the gas leak inside the plant premises was brought under control, and the situation was reported to be stable. SDO Pranjal Dhanda, the Factory Inspector, the BDO/CO and other concerned officials reached the site and are monitoring the situation.

The district administration has appealed to the public not to panic or pay heed to rumours, assuring them that the situation is under constant monitoring and necessary action is being taken.

ESL Steel expresses grief, announces independent investigation

An ESL Steel Limited spokesperson described the incident as unfortunate and confirmed that the two individuals had been taken to the hospital after an initial assessment.

“The company deeply mourns this tragic loss of both individuals, who lost their lives and extends its heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families,” the spokesperson said.

The company added that it was providing all possible support and assistance to both families during this difficult time.

ESL Steel Limited also announced that it would conduct an independent investigation into the incident and take appropriate steps based on its findings.

Industrial safety under scrutiny

The deaths have brought workplace safety and safeguards against hazardous gas exposure at the industrial facility under renewed scrutiny. The circumstances leading to the suspected gas exposure at Blast Furnace-1, including whether any safety lapses occurred, are expected to be examined during the investigation.

The Deputy Commissioner has directed the committee to complete its inquiry within the stipulated 72 hours. Further action will be taken in accordance with the rules after the report is received.

The incident has cast a pall of gloom over the industrial complex, while the probe is expected to establish the sequence of events that led to the deaths.