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6 Workers Dead After Gas Leak At Steel Factory In Andhra Pradesh, Probe Begins

The Gerdau is the leading producer of steel, which is exported to the American sub-continent. This plant has a capacity of manufacturing 3,00,000 tonnes of steel production per year.
Andhra Gas Leaks

On Thursday evening, for the second time in a row, Gerdau Steel plant at Tadipatri in Anantapur district witnessed gas leak in the tunnel where six factory workers were killed and four severely injured. 

The workers have been identified as B. Ranganath, 21, K. Manoj Kumar, 24, U. Gangadhar, 37, S. A. Wasim Basha, 39, K. Shiva Maddileti alias Lingaiah, 26, and Guruvaiah, 40. The accident is said to have occurred at 5.30 PM on 12th July.

The Gerdau is the leading producer of steel, which is exported to the American sub-continent. This plant has a capacity of manufacturing 3,00,000 tonnes of steel production per year.

Sources told NewsClick that the mishap occurred when workers were busily engaged in welding works. The mishap occurred when suddenly, Carbon Monoxide leaked from the SMS unit. Five workers died after inhaling the poisonous gas on the spot, while one died on the way to the government hospital in Anantapur town.

Speaking to NewsClick, Ram Gopal, district secretary of CPIM said, "The mishap occurred when they were busy with their work and this was the second time such mishap had occurred. In 2008 two workers died due to a similar gas leak and four workers were injured. And yet, management is not taking safety inspection to stop such mishaps." 

He further added that cause of leak is yet to be ascertained. Meanwhile, Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU) and others organisation are talking to the company authority in this regard. 

The employees have alleged that the negligence of the factory management was responsible for the tragedy. They also alleged that the management was intimidating those who have lodged complaints about the poor safety situation in the unit.

District superintendent of police, G. Ashok Kumar, told PTI over the phone that the mishap occurred when testing was being done after maintenance work in the unit.

“As per preliminary information, two workers died on the spot and four others in the hospital,” the SP said. “Carbon monoxide is the main gas used for the reheating process and its leak caused the mishap,” Ashok was quoted.

Furthermore, an expert committee comprising of personnel from the Andhra Pradesh Industries Department, police and disaster management officials have begun the investigation into the accident, local media reported. 

 

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