Four workers have died following an explosion at Detox India Pvt Ltd in the GIDC area of Ankleshwar on Tuesday afternoon.
Initial reports indicate that a ruptured steam pressure pipe at the company’s M.E. facility was the cause of the explosion, which sent shockwaves across the region. Three of the four workers who died were from Uttar Pradesh, while one was from Bihar.
According to reports, the blast happened during welding operations when workers were putting railings on the feed tank.
A police convoy also arrived to assist, while firefighters and a Safety and Health Department team arrived on the spot immediately.
“A blast occurred at Detox India Pvt Ltd in Ankleshwar around 1 pm, resulting in the death of four people,” stated Ankleshwar SDM BA Jadeja. Currently, forensic post-mortem processing is being done.
Superintendent of Police Mayur Chavda said, “Four workers died in the blast. There is no fire at the location and no one else was injured.”
Bharuch BJP MP Mansukh Vasava expressed his condolences over the incident and blamed officials from the Gujarat Pollution Control Board (GPCB) for the accident. He has directed the district collector to initiate legal action against the company, which has previously faced allegations of negligence.
Company’s Response
Detox India’s General Manager, Dharmendra Chautala, explained that the company had authorised its contractor, Panchmurti Fabricator, to install hand railings on a 75 KL feed tank.
“While the work was underway, at approximately 12:40 pm, a loud noise was heard. When we rushed to the site, we discovered that the tank’s roof, called the tank’s descent, had been propelled 15-20 metres away. The bodies of two workers were found at the scene. Upon further inspection, one worker was located behind the tank, while the other was discovered outside the boundary,” he said.
He further said that “the initial investigation will focus on determining how the tank’s roof was dislodged. Only then will we understand the cause of the incident. The company’s management will offer full support to the families of the deceased.”
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