RAIPUR (India CSR): A devastating industrial accident occurred on Friday afternoon at the Godavari Power and Ispat Plant in Dharsiwa, Raipur district, leaving several workers trapped under molten iron debris. Initial reports suggest that more than eight workers may have lost their lives, while many others sustained severe injuries. Rescue operations continued late into the night as police and administrative officials remained deployed at the site.
The Accident at the Pellet Unit
The incident took place around 3 p.m. when workers were tasked with cleaning the pellet unit, which, according to employees, had not been given sufficient time to cool down after a shutdown two days earlier. During the operation, a massive machine hoffer collapsed, sending hot iron slabs and raw material crashing onto the workers.
Witnesses reported that at least six workers died instantly, while several others were buried under the debris. Police have so far confirmed six fatalities, though the death toll is expected to rise as search operations continue. Families of workers rushed to the plant upon hearing the news but were stopped outside by company security.
Table: Godavari Power Plant accident
| Key Facts | Details |
|---|---|
| Incident | Industrial accident at Godavari Power and Ispat Plant, Dharsiwa, Raipur |
| Location | Pellet Unit, Godavari Power Plant, Dharsiwa, Raipur, Chhattisgarh |
| Cause | Hofer machine collapse during cleaning while unit was still hot; hot iron debris fell on workers |
| Casualties | At least 6 confirmed dead; death toll may rise |
| Injured | 5 workers hospitalized; 2 in critical condition |
| Rescue Operations | Ongoing; police and district administration deployed |
| Management Response | No compensation announced yet; families restricted from entering site |
| Official Action | Marg (unnatural death case) registered at Dharsiwa Police Station; ADM and officials on-site |
| Chief Minister Response | CM Vishnu Deo Sai expressed grief and directed best possible treatment for injured |
| Safety Concern | Premature work on hot pellet unit; alleged negligence in following safety protocols |
| Affected Workers | Local and inter-state laborers employed at the plant |
Allegations of Negligence Against Management
Workers and local sources have alleged gross negligence on the part of the plant’s management. Normally, after a pellet plant shutdown, the unit is allowed to cool for at least a week before maintenance and cleaning can begin. However, in an apparent rush to resume production, laborers were deployed prematurely.
“The unit was still hot. The molten material hadn’t settled, and yet we were asked to start cleaning. That’s why the hoffer collapsed,” said one injured worker. Reports suggest that victims suffered such severe burns that bones were visible in some cases.
Injured Workers Under Treatment
Five injured workers were rushed to Shri Narayana Hospital in Devendranagar, Raipur. Doctors confirmed that while some victims had minor burns and were discharged after treatment, at least two remain in critical condition.
Hospital director Dr. Sunil Khemka stated, “The patients admitted with burn injuries are stable but will require specialized care. A dedicated burn unit has been activated for their treatment.”
Among those hospitalized are 47-year-old Pawan Kumar, who narrowly escaped death when a hot slab fell near him, and three others who sustained partial burns on their limbs and backs.
Police and Administration on High Alert
Senior officials, including ADM Umashankar Bande, reached the site to oversee rescue operations. A case of unnatural death (marg) has been registered at Dharsiwa police station. However, as of Saturday morning, no formal FIR has been lodged against the plant management.
Police forces remain stationed at the plant to prevent unrest, as many workers hail from neighboring states and tensions among laborers’ families have been rising.
No Compensation Announced Yet
As per initial reports, the plant management has not announced any compensation for the deceased or injured workers. The district administration, too, has yet to make any official declaration regarding financial aid or rehabilitation. This silence has fueled anger among workers’ unions and families, who are demanding accountability.
Chief Minister Expresses Grief
“In a tragic accident at a factory located in Silatra, Raipur, six workers lost their lives today, while several others sustained serious injuries. Upon receiving information about the incident, the district administration team immediately engaged in relief and rescue operations.”, Chhattisgarh Govt said.
According to the Public Relations Department of Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo directed the district administration to ensure the best possible medical treatment for the injured. Expressing deep sorrow over the accident, the Chief Minister said that it is an extremely painful and distressing incident. He conveyed his condolences to the families of the deceased and prayed to the Almighty to grant peace to the departed souls and strength to the bereaved families.
A Pattern of Industrial Mishaps
The Godavari Power Plant tragedy comes just weeks after another fatal accident in Raipur’s steel sector, highlighting recurring lapses in worker safety and industrial compliance. Labor rights activists are now urging stricter monitoring of private industrial units to prevent such avoidable disasters.
(India CSR)
