JOIN USTwenty workers were injured when DAP Silo, a huge steel and asbestos structure, collapsed at a fertiliser plant belonging to IFFCO (Indian Farmers’ Fertiliser Cooperative Limited) in the port township of Paradip in Odisha on Monday.
According to the injured workers, the incident occurred when the first shift of work had just begun. The Silo, which caved in trapping the workers working inside it, was used for storing fertilisers. However, there has been no report of any casualty so far.
Rescue team
As soon as the incident occurred, the rescue team from the plant as well as the Paradip Port Trust (PPT) and a unit of Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF), stationed in Paradip reached the spot for rescue operations.
According to sources, four workers who have been seriously injured, have been admitted to hospital in Cuttack for further treatment.
Probe
Senior plant officials said that the accident will be probed. “There has been no casualty. Our first job is to clear the debris,” said an official. However, the workers’ union of the plant has squarely blamed the management for the incident accusing it for not giving proper attention towards the safety measures inside the plant.
Meanwhile, the Jagatshingpur district administration has deployed police near the plant as tension escalated in the area following the incident. Police also conducted a flag march in the area. Union Chemicals and Fertiliser Ministry has already sought a report on the mishap.