A catastrophic oxygen cylinder explosion rocked the 3D factory located in the Urla industrial area of Raipur. The blast was of such high intensity that the sound reverberated for nearly half a kilometer. This tragic incident resulted in the loss of three lives, with two of the deceased identified as residents of Dindori, Madhya Pradesh. The sheer force of the explosion was devastating, scattering human remains up to 200 meters away from the site.
Chaos and Immediate Aftermath
The incident occurred at approximately 7:00 PM, causing widespread panic within the factory premises and terrorizing the surrounding neighborhoods. One individual succumbed to their injuries while being transported to the hospital. Following the explosion, laborers working at the facility swarmed the main entrance, creating a volatile situation as they demanded access to the factory floor.
Allegations of Negligent Safety Standards
An eyewitness, who serves as a worker at the same facility, described a harrowing working environment. He stated that he and his brother are employed at the factory, noting that the management provides absolutely no protective gear, such as safety shoes or helmets. He alleged that when workers request basic safety items, management threatens to deduct the cost from their wages, leaving them completely vulnerable in hazardous conditions.
Official Response and Investigation
DCP of the North Zone, Mayank Gurjar, confirmed that the accident occurred at an iron-processing company named '3D' within the jurisdiction of the Urla Police Station. The explosion originated from an oxygen cylinder stored near the furnace. Upon receiving the report, a team of officials rushed to the location, cordoned off the area, and ensured the safe evacuation of everyone present. Authorities are currently awaiting input from the FSL team to provide a formal, verified account of the incident. The DCP emphasized that given the casualties, a thorough and rigorous investigation will be conducted to establish the exact cause. The fire has been fully extinguished, and the SDRF team successfully carried out search and rescue operations immediately following the disaster, while police continue to investigate the underlying causes of the explosion.
