Second Fatal Accident in Just One Month at AMNS Hazira Steel Plant
On January 27, 2025, another tragic incident occurred at ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel Hazira’s steel plant in Surat, Gujarat. A lift malfunction at Plant No. 1 in the HBI Model No. 4 area led to the death of a lift operator and the serious injury of a trainee engineer. The two workers were immediately rushed to Surat’s Ashutosh Hospital. Despite being airlifted to Mumbai for urgent medical treatment, the lift operator, Mahesh Kumar, succumbed to his injuries. The trainee engineer, Jatin Kumar Kushwaha, remains in critical condition in the hospital's ICU.
This incident raises serious concerns about the safety standards and practices at AMNS Hazira, particularly as it follows the catastrophic explosion and fire at the same plant just a month ago, which resulted in the deaths of four workers.
Details of the Lift Incident and Delayed Reporting
The accident occurred at approximately 3:00 PM on Saturday, January 27, when the lift at Plant No. 1 malfunctioned. The lift operator, Mahesh Kumar, suffered a severe brain hemorrhage and was airlifted to Mumbai for immediate medical care. Unfortunately, despite efforts to save him, Kumar died from his injuries. Meanwhile, the trainee engineer, Jatin Kumar Kushwaha, sustained critical injuries and is currently receiving intensive care.
The most concerning aspect of this incident is the significant delay in reporting the accident. The company reported the incident to the police and factory inspectorate several hours after it occurred, which has led to public outcry and raised questions about AMNS Hazira's internal safety protocols and transparency.
Previous Tragedy: Explosion and Fire at AMNS Hazira
This fatal lift accident comes just a month after a deadly explosion and fire at the Corex-2 plant of AMNS Hazira on December 31, 2024. During the fire, four workers were trapped and fatally burned, while another worker was injured and transported for treatment. The incident was similarly delayed in being reported to authorities, and the investigation into the cause of the explosion is ongoing.
The explosion and fire highlighted serious safety failures at the plant, but the company’s delayed response to both incidents has raised red flags about AMNS’s commitment to worker safety and its ability to manage emergency situations effectively.
Investigation and Accountability: Slow Progress on Safety Concerns
Following the recent lift accident and previous fire, the district collector has appointed a committee under the leadership of the Olpad Taluka Officer to investigate the incidents. The Industrial Safety and Health Department is also conducting a thorough investigation into the plant's safety practices. However, the investigation has been moving slowly, and no significant actions have been taken against AMNS as of yet.
Despite the severity of the accidents, there has been little indication that AMNS has taken immediate steps to address the safety concerns at the Hazira plant. Workers’ representatives and local authorities have called for a more comprehensive investigation into the plant’s safety practices and have demanded accountability for the company’s failures.
Public Pressure for Change
The repeated fatal incidents at AMNS Hazira have prompted calls for immediate action to ensure the safety of workers at the plant. Public pressure is mounting on local authorities and the company to take concrete steps to address the plant's safety deficiencies and prevent further tragedies. As the investigations continue, it remains to be seen what actions will be taken to hold AMNS accountable and implement necessary reforms in safety standards.
Ongoing Safety Concerns at AMNS Hazira Plant
The safety of workers at AMNS Hazira is now under intense scrutiny, with two major accidents occurring within the span of just one month. The tragic lift incident and the previous explosion and fire have highlighted significant issues at the plant, particularly with regard to safety protocols, emergency response, and timely reporting of accidents.
As the investigations into both incidents continue, it is clear that more needs to be done to ensure the well-being of workers at AMNS Hazira. The company’s response to these incidents will likely play a crucial role in shaping the future of its operations and reputation in the steel industry.
