Nine workers injured in Ramgarh steel plant explosion; villagers demand accountability and improved safety measures

Ramgarh: Nine workers were injured in a furnace explosion in a private steel plant at Hesla in Ramgarh district early on Monday.

Officials said the incident occurred around 4 am. “The injured were rushed to a private hospital in Ramgarh. Seven critically injured were later referred to another private hospital in Ranchi,” said a senior district official.

Ramgarh sub-divisional officer (SDO), Anurag Kumar Tiwari, said, “Seven critically injured suffered over 60% burn injuries. The district administration has directed the plant management to ensure better treatment of the injured and if necessary, refer them to New Delhi.”

“The injured workers were identified as Akhila Rai, Brijlal Bedia, Raj Balan Yadav, Mahesh Mahto, Ashok Bediya, Panditji alias Raju Jha, Chhotu Sao, Suresh Bediya and Ishaya,” said an official.

As the new broke, hundreds of villagers blocked the factory gate alleging violation of safety measures, demanding compensation for the injured, better safety measures and an impartial inquiry into the incident. Villagers alleged that the plant management didn’t provide an ambulance immediately, leading to delay in transporting the injured.

Ramgarh MLA Mamta Devi and state Congress working president Shahzada Anwar visited the plant and met the agitators. Devi also spoke to plant officials on the concerns of the locals.

Deputy commissioner Faiz Aq Ahmad Mumtaz said that the administration hasn’t ordered any probe yet.

Chief factory inspector Manish Sinha said, “The labour and employment department has formed a panel to probe the incident. They will conduct site inspection soon, based on which further action will be taken.”

The plant management was not available for comment on the incident.