On November 13, 2024, a serious incident occurred at the Bhilai Steel Plant, a unit of the Steel Authority of India Limited, located in Chhattisgarh's Durg district. Three contract workers fell ill after inhaling poisonous gas during repair work at the plant, leading to their hospitalization.
The accident took place around 2 PM at Blast Furnace Number 6 of the BSP. According to a public relations officer from the plant, the workers were engaged in capital repair work when they were suddenly exposed to a leak of poisonous and flammable gas. The unexpected release of the toxic fumes caused the workers to lose consciousness, prompting an immediate emergency response.
Following the incident, the affected workers were swiftly transported to Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Hospital in Bhilai. All three workers are currently receiving intensive care treatment in the hospital's Intensive Care Unit. The plant officials have reported that the condition of one worker is particularly critical, highlighting the severity of the gas exposure.
The Bhilai Steel Plant, known for being one of India's largest steel manufacturing facilities, has initiated an investigation into the cause of the gas leak. As of now, the exact source and nature of the leaked gas remain undetermined. This incident has raised serious concerns about safety protocols and emergency preparedness at the plant, especially during maintenance and repair operations.
The local authorities and SAIL management are expected to conduct a thorough investigation into the incident. This will likely include an examination of the plant's safety procedures, the maintenance protocols in place during repair work, and the emergency response mechanisms that were activated following the gas leak.
