Boiler Blast at Tamil Nadu Steel Plant Kills Worker, Leaves Four Critically Injured

Chennai: A migrant worker lost his life and four others suffered severe burn injuries after a boiler exploded at a steel melting unit in the SIPCOT Industrial Estate at Gummidipoondi in Tamil Nadu's Tiruvallur district on Tuesday.

The deceased has been identified as Ravi, a migrant worker from a northern Indian state, who died on the spot when the boiler exploded during working hours.

The four injured workers were rescued from the site and rushed to a nearby hospital. Hospital sources said they sustained serious burn injuries and remain in critical condition.

According to preliminary reports, the explosion occurred unexpectedly while employees were engaged in routine operations inside the steel melting unit. The powerful blast triggered a major fire, sending thick plumes of smoke and flames into the air and creating panic among workers in the industrial estate.

Fire and Rescue Services personnel reached the factory soon after the incident and battled the blaze for nearly an hour before bringing it under control. Their swift response prevented the fire from spreading to nearby industrial units.

Police also arrived at the scene, secured the area and assisted rescue teams while ensuring the safety of other workers.

Officials said the exact cause of the explosion is yet to be determined. A detailed investigation has been launched to establish whether the blast resulted from a technical fault, equipment failure or any violation of industrial safety regulations. Investigators are also expected to examine whether the boiler had undergone mandatory maintenance and safety inspections.

The incident has once again raised concerns over workplace safety in Tiruvallur district, one of Tamil Nadu's largest industrial hubs.

The accident comes shortly after another industrial tragedy in the district, where an ammonia gas leak at a shrimp processing factory near Periyapalayam claimed the lives of 18 migrant workers and affected several others. That incident prompted a large-scale emergency operation before authorities secured the site.

Officials said the investigation into Tuesday's boiler explosion is continuing, while teams are assessing the full extent of the damage caused by the blast.

With inputs from IANS