CURATED BY – RAJIV KHARE | CITYCHIEFNEWS

Bhilai, A big accident happened in Bhilai Steel Plant on Monday. The sudden explosion in Blast Furnace-5 of the plant caused panic among the workers and employees working there. Due to the explosion, hot iron (molten metal) spread all around, creating a big danger.

At the time of the explosion, regular operations were going on in Blast Furnace-5. Due to the sudden explosion, the hot iron accumulated inside the furnace scattered out quickly. According to preliminary information, some workers have been burnt in the accident.

After the accident, the plant administration immediately started relief and rescue work. The reasons for the explosion are still being investigated. Initially, increased pressure in the furnace and malfunction of equipment are being considered as the possible reasons.
Bhilai Steel Plant has witnessed many big accidents in the past as well. This accident has brought back memories of old accidents in which many people lost their lives and a large number of employees were injured. In October 2018, there was an explosion in the gas pipeline at Bhilai Steel Plant. In this accident, 12 people were killed and more than 14 employees were seriously injured. The reason for this accident was said to be the ignorance of safety standards and lack of regular inspection of equipment. In 2014, a fire broke out in coke oven battery number 11, in which two employees died and many were injured. Similarly, in the year 2013, a major accident occurred due to gas leakage in the blast furnace. Six employees died in this accident.
The plant administration has said that the situation has been brought under control after the current accident. Senior officials of SAIL (Steel Authority of India Limited) and Bhilai Steel Plant inspected the spot.
Taking preliminary steps immediately after the accident, a high-level committee has been formed to investigate the causes. It has also been decided that all the equipment and safety standards of the plant will be checked. Compensation for the injured and affected employees can be announced soon.

The repeated accidents have raised serious questions on the safety system of Bhilai Steel Plant. Many machines and equipment in the plant are old, which are not repaired properly from time to time. In the investigation report of earlier accidents, it has been found that safety rules were not followed. Lack of safety equipment and training to the employees is a major reason.

Bhilai Steel Plant is the industrial backbone of Chhattisgarh, but due to repeated accidents, the safety of the general public and workers has become a matter of concern. Due to frequent accidents, employees are feeling unsafe at their workplace. Such accidents also have a bad effect on the environment and the health of the people around.

Repeated accidents in big industrial institutions like Bhilai Steel Plant highlight the ignorance of safety standards. This incident is a reminder once again that it is necessary to take strict measures to protect workers and equipment. Now it remains to be seen whether this incident will inspire the plant administration to improve safety measures, or this too will remain limited to investigation and compensation like previous accidents.