Factory Blast in Raigarh District Claims Four Lives, Including Infant
In a tragic industrial accident that has sent shockwaves through the community, four individuals, including a nine-month-old baby girl, have succumbed to injuries sustained in a factory blast in Raigarh district. The fatalities occurred on Wednesday and Thursday, nearly a week after the initial incident, leading to widespread protests and a highway blockade by villagers who accuse the company of gross negligence and attempts to downplay the case.
Deaths Trigger Anger and Highway Blockade
The deaths have ignited intense anger among villagers, with relatives placing the bodies of the deceased on National Highway-49 and blocking traffic for hours. Protesters are demanding adequate compensation for the victims' families and strict legal action against those responsible for the blast. The blockade disrupted normal traffic flow, highlighting the community's frustration over the incident.
Details of the Fatal Incident
The blast occurred at the Mangal Carbon plant in Raigarh district on February 5, where workers were processing old tires to extract black oil used for road construction. The fire resulted in eight people suffering severe burn injuries. The first fatality was reported on February 9, when nine-month-old Bhumi Kharia, who had sustained 80–90% burns, died during treatment at a hospital in Raipur.
On February 11, three more victims succumbed to their injuries: Bhumi's father, Shiv Kharia (27), her grandfather, Saheblal Kharia (46), and another injured worker, Indiwar (19). Officials confirmed that three of the deceased belonged to the same family, compounding the tragedy.
Heart-Wrenching Scenes at the Hospital
Inside the hospital ward, relatives described scenes of profound grief. The infant's mother, who was also injured in the blast, reportedly collapsed after losing both her baby and her husband. Family members revealed that the parents had been working at the plant to earn a livelihood and often brought their children along due to a lack of alternative care arrangements, a common plight in many industrial areas.
Administrative Response and Ongoing Investigations
Raigarh Collector Mayank Chaturvedi addressed reporters, stating that an administrative team had reached the site and discussions with the affected families were underway. The administration is working to address the demands of the protesters while ensuring a thorough investigation into the blast. This incident underscores critical issues of industrial safety and worker welfare in the region, raising questions about regulatory oversight and corporate accountability.
