Fatal Explosion at Mangal Carbon Plant: Families Demand Accountability After Tragedy.
RAIGARH, CHHATTISGARH (India CSR): A horrific industrial accident at the Mangal Carbon Plant in the Kharsia region has escalated into a major tragedy. What began as a flash fire during a routine tyre-melting process on February 5, 2026, has resulted in the deaths of at least four people, including a nine-month-old infant.
The Incident
The blast occurred at the facility located in the Banipathar area (under Kharsia police station limits). Workers were reportedly engaged in tyre pyrolysis—melting old tyres to extract carbon and oil—when a sudden surge in pressure caused a technical failure.
Witnesses described a “deafening explosion” followed by a wave of fire and scalding gases that swept through the work area. Eight people were initially rushed to the Kharsia Community Health Centre with severe burns, many covering 70% to 90% of their bodies.
The Victims
The tragedy has devastated local families, particularly the Kharia family, who lost three generations in the disaster:
- Bhumi Kharia (9 months old): The first fatality, who succumbed to 80% burns on February 9.
- Shiv Kharia (27): Bhumi’s father, who died on February 11.
- Saheblal Kharia (46): Bhumi’s grandfather, who also passed away on February 11.
- Indiwar (19): A young worker who succumbed to his injuries the same day.
The presence of an infant inside the industrial facility has sparked outrage and a police investigation into why children were at the site. Relatives stated that parents often brought their children to the plant due to a lack of childcare options while they worked for their daily livelihood.
Current Situation & Protest
Following the deaths, tensions boiled over in Raigarh. Aggrieved family members and local villagers staged a protest on the National Highway, blocking traffic to demand:
- Immediate Compensation: Financial support for the families who lost their primary breadwinners.
- Accountability: Strict legal action against the management of Mangal Carbon Plant for alleged safety negligence.
- Medical Costs: Ensuring the plant management covers the full treatment costs for the remaining injured workers still in critical condition in Raipur.
Official Investigation
The Raigarh District Administration, led by Collector Mayank Chaturvedi and ASP Anil Kumar Soni, has sealed the plant. Preliminary findings suggest the explosion occurred while workers were opening a “bladder” (pressure vessel) during the melting process.
Authorities are now probing whether the plant had the necessary permits and if mandatory safety protocols—such as protective gear and pressure monitoring—were being ignored.
