At least eight people died and several others are feared trapped after the silo structure of an iron-making factory in Sargaon, Mungeli, collapsed on Thursday.
The Mungeli Collector Rahul Deo told news agency ANI that one injured labourer was admitted to a nearby hospital.
According to initial reports, at least nine people may have lost their lives, though these casualties are yet to be confirmed.
“Labourers feared trapped at an iron-making factory in Sargaon, Mungeli after the silo structure of the factory collapsed. One injured labourer has been admitted to a hospital. Police and Administration are present at the spot. Rescue operation is underway,” ANI quoted Mungeli Collector as saying.
The incident took place in the Rambod area under Sargaon police station limits. The plant was reportedly manufacturing iron pipes when the accident occurred.
Rescue operations are currently underway, with local police having reached the site immediately after receiving information about the collapse.
According to reports, disaster management teams from neighboring districts including Bilaspur, Pendra, Raigarh, and Janjgir-Champa have been called in to assist with the rescue efforts.
Local villagers and public representatives have also arrived at the scene and are participating in the ongoing rescue operations.
All hospitals in the district have been put on alert to handle potential casualties. District administration teams from surrounding areas are also rushing to the site to support the rescue efforts.
Former Chhattisgarh chief minister Bhupesh Baghel, in a social media post, expressed his sorrow upon hearing the news of the tragic death of laborers.
“Sad news has been received about the death of workers due to the collapse of a chimney in a steel plant in Mungeli district. May God grant peace to the souls of the deceased and strength to their families to bear this grief. I pray for the safety of the workers buried under the debris and for the speedy recovery of the injured,” he said.
