Raipur: A devastating accident occurred yesterday at the Maa Kudargadhi Alumina Plant in the Batouli area of Surguja, resulting in the tragic deaths of four workers and injuries to several others. The incident has prompted Chief Minister Vishnu Dev Sai to take immediate action, ordering a thorough investigation into the matter.
Chief Minister’s Response
Chief Minister Vishnu Dev Sai expressed his heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased through a post on X (formerly Twitter). He stated, “My condolences are with the families of the deceased. I pray for the peace of the departed souls and for strength to the bereaved families. I also wish a speedy recovery to the injured.”
In another post, the Chief Minister emphasized the gravity of the situation, saying, “Sad news has been received about the death of four workers and injuries to many others in an industrial accident at the Alumina Plant in Surguja. Orders have been given to investigate the matter, and strict action will be taken against those responsible.”
Details of the Accident
According to media reports, the accident occurred during the first shift, which began at 6:00 AM. Workers were engaged in the process of sending coal to the boiler through a hopper to melt bauxite. At approximately 10:30 AM, a hopper loaded with around 60 tonnes of coal collapsed from a height of 25 feet, trapping seven workers beneath the debris.
Rescue Efforts
Rescue operations commenced immediately amidst the chaos. After about six and a half hours of intense efforts, the workers were extricated from the rubble with the help of JCB machines. The management confirmed the deaths of four workers: Prince Rajput (22) and Manoj Rajput (35) from Madhya Pradesh, and Karan (20) and Rameshwar (30) from Bihar. Additionally, Anmol Rajput, Akash Chandravanshi, and Mahipal sustained serious injuries and are currently receiving medical treatment.
Investigation and Future Actions
The Chief Minister has assured that a detailed investigation will be conducted to determine the cause of the accident and to hold those responsible accountable. The state government has pledged to provide all necessary support to the affected families during this difficult time.
This tragic incident has highlighted the urgent need for stringent safety measures in industrial operations to prevent such accidents in the future. The community mourns the loss of the workers and hopes for the swift recovery of the injured.
