A tragic accident has been reported from Durgapur in West Bengal, in which two contract workers lost their lives and another was left critically injured. The incident took place on the cooling tower of Durgapur Project Limited, known as DPL, while the three men were working at height. Police reached the spot as soon as news of the accident broke and launched an investigation into the entire matter.
Balance gave way while cutting the railing
According to initial information, the workers were engaged in cutting a railing on the cooling tower when the three of them suddenly lost their balance and fell straight down from height. The fall was so severe that two of the workers died on the spot. The third worker's condition is being described as extremely critical, and he was rushed to hospital, where treatment is currently underway. Doctors are keeping a close watch on his condition, given how serious the fall was and the continuing risk to his life.
Coke Oven police station and BMS officials rush to the site
As soon as word of the accident spread, police from the Coke Oven police station and officials of the Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh, known as BMS, arrived at the site without delay. Police have opened a full investigation and are trying to establish whether safety standards were properly followed on the cooling tower at the time of the accident. They are also examining whether any lapse in safety arrangements led to the three workers losing their lives or suffering severe injuries. A somber, grief-stricken mood has settled over the DPL premises following the incident. Police have stepped up their investigation to determine the exact cause, whether it was a technical fault or a shortfall in safety equipment.
A pipeline fire at Haldia had earlier claimed one life
This is not the first such accident at an industrial complex in West Bengal. Earlier, a fierce fire broke out in a naphtha pipeline at the Haldia Petrochemicals complex located in Purba Medinipur district, killing one person. More than 20 people were also injured in that incident. The fire was so intense that several nearby houses were reduced to ashes. A railway overhead electric line running close to the site was also damaged in the blaze. Both incidents together raise serious questions once again about safety arrangements inside industrial complexes.
