Security guard dies, 5 critical after toxic gas leak at sugar mill; kin allege negligence

Meerut: A security guard died and five workers were taken to hospital in critical condition after a toxic gas leak at a sugar mill’s effluent treatment plant (ETP) in Malakpur village of Baraut area in Baghpat district on Tuesday night.Police said the incident took place around 7pm when Suresh Sharma (55) had gone to switch on the lights at the ETP where toxic gas suddenly leaked, causing him to collapse. Five other workers — Mohd Hameed, Dharmendra Kumar, Pradeep Kumar, Anil Kumar and Bittu (in their mid-30s and early 40s) — attempted to rescue Sharma but lost consciousness after inhaling the fumes. More than 80 workers present at the mill managed to escape unaffected.“Prima facie, the workers inhaled toxic fumes emanating from the treatment plant and fell unconscious. One person was declared dead, while five others have been admitted to private hospitals. No complaint has been received so far,” said SP Suraj Rai .Following the incident, family members of the deceased reached the spot and alleged negligence on part of the mill management. Police and administrative officials, including the SP and sub-divisional magistrate, reached the spot and assured action.The situation remained tense on Wednesday morning as the deceased’s family protested at the hospital, refusing to take the body until senior officials of the sugar mill arrived. The protest continued through the day and a heavy police force remained deployed.