A tragic accident struck the Kusum Smelters Plant in the Rambod area of Sargaon police station on Thursday evening when an under-construction chimney collapsed, trapping dozens of workers under the debris. Initial reports indicate that more than 25 labourers were buried, with chances of six fatalities.
Meanwhile, Inspector General (IG) Dr. Sanjeev Shukla told media as per information received, 1 labourer was claimed to be died and 2-3 workers were trapped under the chimney. Actual figure can be quoted once the silo chimney will be removed from the site, he added.
Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai stated in ‘X’ “Sad news of industrial accident has been received at the smelters plant located in Rambod village of Mungeli district. As soon as information about the incident was received, necessary instructions were given to higher officials for relief and rescue work. Relief and rescue work is going on war footing at the incident site. It is also being continuously monitored.
I pray to God for the safety of the workers buried under the debris and the speedy recovery of the injured.”
The incident occurred as workers were engaged in the construction of an iron pipe manufacturing unit. Chaos erupted when the chimney suddenly gave way, leaving several workers trapped beneath the rubble. Amid cries for help, local authorities quickly mobilized, with police and administration teams rushing to the scene to begin rescue operations.
Efforts to extract those trapped are ongoing, and injured workers are being transported to the nearest hospital for treatment. The site has been cordoned off to ensure safety as rescue teams work tirelessly to clear the debris.
Allegations of negligence have emerged against the factory management. Workers and locals claim that inadequate maintenance of machinery and structural components, coupled with rushed construction practices, led to the catastrophe. Pollution and other operational challenges from the plant had already been sources of concern for the local community.
Distraught family members and residents gathered at the site, demanding a thorough investigation into the accident. Calls for strict action against those responsible and adequate compensation for the victims’ families are growing louder.
Authorities have assured that a high-level probe will be conducted to determine the cause of the collapse. A special investigation team is being formed, and the administration has pledged full support to the affected families. “Rescue efforts remain our top priority, and we are committed to ensuring relief and justice for the victims,” an official stated.