Five workers die while cleaning tank of food processing factory

MOGALTUR (WEST GODAVARI): In a tragic incident, five daily wage workers killed inside a chemical tank after inhaling the poisonous ammonia gas while cleaning it on Thursday. The incident happened at Ananda Aqua Food Processing Unit in Nallamavari Thota village of Mogaltur mandal (West Godavari).
According to Mogaltur police, the five victims were identified as daily wage workers Eega Yedukondalu, Nalla Yedukondalu, Boddu Rambabu, Thota Srinu and Jakkamsetty Praveen.They hailed from Nallamavari Thota village. Around 9am, all the five workers entered the chemical tank for cleaning. While cleaning the tank, they inhaled the strenuous ammonia gas released from a nearby chamber and died inside the tank.
Police and revenue staff, who inspected the spot, said the sudden leakage of ammonia gas inside tank was the reason behind the tragedy and assured family members that severe action would be initiated on the management.
The police further said the five called for help, but no one could hear their screams. “The chemical tank was big and workers outside could not hear the screaming. All the bodies were recovered from the tank and sent to GGH for post-mortem. A case under accidental death was registered,” said the Mogaltur police.
Tension prevailed in Nallamavari Thota village when the family members of deceased came to know about the incident. Kin staged a protest in the spot and raised slogans against the management and government demanding stringent action on the errant food processing unit which failed to follow the safety measures. They also demanded Rs 25 lakh compensation for the families of the deceased.
According to an eyewitness, it is believed that the aqua food processing unit has not been following the precautionary measures. “It’s mandatory that management should provide face masks for workers while cleaning chemical tanks. Five innocent people died due to their negligence. Government should take serious action against the management,” demanded Balaram- President of Aqua Food Park Vyathireka Samithi.
The alleged aqua food processing unit belongs to Ananda Group which is planning to construct Mega Aqua Food Park in Tundurru village. “This is why we oppose food processing units in the village premises. They will dispose the chemical wastes in water without performing treatment,” said Balaram.