Kamal Ghorui
RAIPUR: Six workers were killed and four others seriously injured after a coal kiln exploded at a steel plant in Chhattisgarh’s Baloda Bazar- Bhatapara district on Thursday, triggering a major rescue operation amid fears that more people could still be trapped.The blast occurred at Real Ispat & Power Ltd located in Bakulahi village in rural area of Bhatapara. The explosion took place during kiln operations, sending hot coal and debris across the platform where workers were present.Speaking to TOI, Baloda Bazar SP Bhavna Gupta said that 10 people were recovered from the site, of whom six succumbed to injuries, while four were rescued alive and shifted to hospital. “Rescue operations are still on as there is a possibility that more people may be trapped inside,” she said.Police and district administration teams rushed to the plant soon after the incident. The injured were initially taken to the Bhatapara community health centre and later referred to Bilaspur after doctors assessed their condition as critical, officials said.The explosion sparked panic inside the plant premises, with workers scrambling to escape amid thick smoke and flames. Several others sustained burn injuries after coming in contact with scalding coal during the blast, officials added.An investigation into the incident has been launched to determine compliance with safety norms. “The exact cause of the blast is being examined,” she said.The incident has once again raised concerns over industrial safety standards in the state’s mineral and manufacturing belt, particularly in units operating coal kilns and furnaces in rural areas.
