3 workers killed in oxygen cylinder blast at Raipur factory

RAIPUR: Three workers died after an oxygen cylinder exploded at a factory in the Urla Industrial Area. According to police, two workers died on the spot in the blast, while a third succumbed to injuries while being taken to hospital.

DCP (North) Mayank Gurjar on Wednesday confirmed the deaths and said the concerned department has launched an investigation into the incident. “Two workers died on the spot in this incident, and another worker passed away while being taken to the hospital. The concerned department is investigating the matter,” Gurjar said.

He added that strict action will be taken against those found responsible. “Post-mortem procedures for the bodies are underway. Strict action will be taken against whoever is found guilty in this case,” the DCP said.

Urla is one of Raipur’s major industrial areas where several manufacturing units are located. Further details are awaited.

#WATCH | Raipur, Chhattisgarh: On the incident involving an oxygen cylinder explosion at a factory in the Urla Industrial Area, DCP (North) Mayank Gurjar says, “Two workers died on the spot in this incident, and another worker passed away while being taken to the hospital… The… pic.twitter.com/bHRc0trkkP

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This comes amid heavy rainfall across Chhattisgarh, with 14 labourers rescued after being stranded by rising floodwaters in Gariaband district and several parts of Raipur grappling with severe waterlogging that flooded homes and roads. The labourers were trapped after continuous rainfall over the past 24 hours caused a sudden surge in the water levels of the Bagnai River.

Nitesh Singh, DSP Gariaband, stated that the incident occurred at Bijapal village, located on the border of Gariaband and Mahasamund districts.

“Bijapal village is located on the border of Gariaband and Mahasamund districts, under the jurisdiction of Chura Police Station. Bridge construction work was underway on the Bagnai River there, and 14 labourers were living in a makeshift shed beneath the bridge. Due to continuous rainfall in Gariaband district over the past 24 hours, the water level rose suddenly, trapping all 14 labourers,” DSP Singh said.

Upon receiving information about the stranded workers, a rescue mission was launched by local authorities. “A joint rescue operation was successfully carried out by the Gariaband Police team and the Mahasamund Home Guard team. Had they not been rescued in time, their lives could have been in danger; we have averted a serious situation,” the DSP added.

The official further noted that the administration remains on high alert as inclement weather persists in the region.”It is raining continuously. Gariaband district is surrounded by forests, small streams, rivers, and hills; consequently, water levels are rising due to the rain. The Gariaband Police team is on alert at the site and maintaining a close watch,” DSP Singh said.

Severe waterlogging also hit several parts of Raipur, following overnight rainfall, with water levels rising to knee-deep in some areas and waist-deep in others, residents said. Filthy water entered many homes, damaging belongings and forcing families to stay awake through the night to ensure the safety of children and elderly members.

Several neighbourhoods in the city turned into ponds after the rain. Along with streets being submerged, two to three feet of water entered houses. From around 2 am, residents were seen bailing out water and trying to secure their possessions. Many families went without sleep and meals, and some even struggled to access drinking water.

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD) weather bulletin of Saturday, fairly Widespread to Widespread rainfall is likely over Chhattisgarh, East Madhya Pradesh, Vidarbha and West Madhya Pradesh till July 10. (ANI)