Industrial Safety: Furnace Blast at Prakash Industries Steel Plant in Chhattisgarh Injures 13 Workers

RAIPUR (Chhattisgarh) (India CSR): A catastrophic furnace blast at Prakash Industries in Janjgir-Champa, Chhattisgarh, on the evening of April 12, 2025, has left 13 workers severely injured, with four in critical condition. The incident, which occurred during the second shift, has reignited concerns about industrial safety in one of India’s key manufacturing hubs, prompting calls for stricter regulations and accountability.

Details of the Incident

The explosion took place in a 15-ton capacity furnace at Prakash Industries’ integrated steel plant in Janjgir-Champa. Molten lava from the blast splattered onto workers, causing burns covering 70% or more of their bodies. The injured workers, most of whom hail from other states, have been identified as:

• Suresh Kumar Chandra
• Anoop Chaturvedi
• Dujram Chandra
• Prasannajeet Ray
• Neeraj Singh
• Uday Shankar Ojha
• Brijkishor Yadav
• Ramesh Suryavanshi
• Shankar Yadav
• Rajendra Kumar
• Shiv Kumar Kewat
• Sarkar Singh
• Rajesh Prajapati

Three of the critically injured workers were rushed to Narayana Hospital in Raipur for intensive care, while the others are receiving treatment at local medical facilities. The exact cause of the blast remains under investigation, with preliminary reports suggesting possible equipment failure or lapses in safety protocols.

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Immediate Response

Following the incident, the accident site was sealed to preserve evidence and ensure safety. A team of industrial safety and technical experts has been deployed to investigate the cause, with findings expected to shed light on whether mechanical failure, human error, or inadequate safety measures were to blame. Local authorities, including the Champa police, are assisting in the investigation.

Local MLA Vyas Kashyap visited the site on April 13, expressing outrage over what he described as “gross negligence” by Prakash Industries. “This is a tragedy that could have been prevented,” Kashyap said. “The company must face consequences, and we demand a thorough probe to ensure justice for the workers.” Kashyap’s statements reflect growing public frustration with recurring industrial accidents in the region.

The Chhattisgarh government has pledged financial compensation for the injured workers and their families, consistent with its response to previous industrial accidents. However, no specific plans for rehabilitation or long-term support have been announced, drawing criticism from labor advocates.

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History of Safety Concerns

This is not the first time Prakash Industries has faced scrutiny over workplace safety. In March 2021, a supervisor, Narayan Prasad Suryavanshi, lost his life in a boiler furnace explosion at the same Janjgir-Champa plant (The Rural Press). The 2021 incident raised similar questions about the company’s safety protocols, yet it appears that significant improvements have not been implemented.

Prakash Industries, established in 1980, is a leading manufacturer of steel products, including sponge iron, TMT bars, and wire rods. Its integrated steel plant in Chhattisgarh is a cornerstone of the region’s industrial economy, employing thousands and contributing to India’s steel production. The company has emphasized its adoption of modern technologies, such as sponge iron kilns from Lurgi, Germany, and its commitment to quality (Prakash Industries). However, recurring accidents have cast a shadow over its reputation.

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Broader Context of Industrial Safety in Chhattisgarh

The furnace blast at Prakash Industries is part of a troubling pattern of industrial accidents in Chhattisgarh. According to a report presented in the Chhattisgarh Legislative Assembly in March 2025, 171 industrial accidents occurred in the state between January 1, 2024, and January 31, 2025, resulting in 124 deaths and 86 injuries (Deccan Chronicle). These figures highlight the state’s struggle to enforce safety standards in its rapidly growing industrial sector.

Experts attribute the high accident rate to several factors, including outdated equipment, inadequate worker training, and lax enforcement of safety regulations. “Industrial accidents are preventable with proper maintenance, regular inspections, and a culture of safety,” said Dr. Ramesh Patel, a Raipur-based safety consultant. “Companies like Prakash Industries must invest in these areas to protect their workers.”

Nationally, India faces similar challenges. A 2024 report by IndustriALL noted that over 400 workers were killed in workplace accidents in the manufacturing, mining, and energy sectors, with underreporting likely inflating the true toll (IndustriALL). The report criticized weakened occupational health and safety laws, calling for stronger protections.

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Calls for Reform

Labor rights activists and safety advocates are using the Prakash Industries incident to renew demands for systemic reforms. “Compensation is not enough,” said Sunita Verma, a labor rights activist in Raipur. “We need stricter penalties for safety violations, mandatory safety audits, and better training programs to prevent these tragedies.”

The state government has faced criticism for its reactive approach, with no clear provisions for rehabilitating families affected by industrial accidents. In its March 2025 report, the government acknowledged providing Rs 17,23,68,454 in compensation to families of deceased workers and Rs 60,32,342 to injured workers over the past year, but admitted there are no rehabilitation programs in place.

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Prakash Industries’ Response

As of April 16, 2025, Prakash Industries has not issued a public statement regarding the furnace blast. Sources within the company indicate that it is cooperating fully with the investigation and is committed to supporting the injured workers. The company’s website highlights its adoption of environmentally friendly technologies and corporate social responsibility initiatives, such as coaching centers in local villages and mid-day meal programs (Prakash Industries CSR). However, there is no specific mention of enhanced safety measures following the 2021 accident.

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Looking Ahead

The furnace blast at Prakash Industries serves as a stark reminder of the human cost of inadequate workplace safety. As the investigation progresses, stakeholders are hopeful that the findings will lead to meaningful changes in how industrial safety is managed in Chhattisgarh. For now, the focus remains on the recovery of the injured workers and ensuring that such tragedies are not repeated.

The incident has sparked a broader conversation about the need for a national framework to enforce safety regulations, improve monitoring, and invest in worker training. Until these measures are implemented, workers in Chhattisgarh’s industrial sector will continue to face significant risks.

(India CSR)