BAGALKOT: Four labourers were killed on the spot and eight others were severely injured after a boiler exploded in the methanol production unit of Nirani Sugars Ltd at Kulalli village in Mudhol taluk around noon on Sunday. The intensity of the blast was such that the three-floor building collapsed completely.
A preliminary probe found that the explosion was caused by a non-functioning valve installed in the boiler. Officials are yet to make a comprehensive investigation to find the exact cause of the incident.
Former BJP minister and legislator Murugesh Nirani, who is the proprietor of the factory, announced `5 lakh compensation to the kin of the deceased and a job to a family member in the factory.
The deceased have been identified as Jagadish Pattanshetty (34), Shivananda Hosmath (43), Nagappa D (38) and Sharanabasappa Totadh (35).
All of them are survived by their wives and children. Among the four dead, three were residents of Mudhol taluk while one hailed from Kalaburagi.
The injured have been identified as Manoj, Shivananda Hosmath, S Hosamanu, Mohan Sigh Bihari, Siddappa B Patil, Ramesh Jadhav, Madhukar G and Lakkappa Y. All of them have been hospitalised and are out of danger, the doctors said.
H S Revanna, Inspector General of Police, Northern Range, said that technicians have been called for conducting an investigation.
Dreadful day at work
The three-floor building collapsed completely due to the impact of the explosion.
Preliminary probe showed that blast was caused by a non-functioning valve installed in the boiler.
10 other workers had a narrow escape, as their shift had ended and they left the premises 15 minutes before the explosion rocked the building.
Kin demand Rs 25 lakhs compensation
The families of those who died in the boiler blast staged a protest and refused to accept the bodies unless they are assured of a compensation of `25 lakh and the management bears the education expenses of their children.
After the boiler blast at his factory, former minister and legislator Murugesh Nirani expressed sorrow over the incident.
“I’m deeply hurt by this unfortunate incident. We will take care of the families of the deceased by providing a job to one family member in the factory.
The doctors have also informed me that the injured are out of danger, and that the firefighters are still conducting search operations. The factory workers informed that only 12 were working during the explosion, and that no one is under the collapsed building,” Nirani said.
A case has been registered at the Mudhol Police Station. H S Revanna, Inspector General of Police, Northern Range, said, “The investigation will be done soon after the completion of the rescue operation. In a primary investigation, it was found that failure of a valve was the main cause. The boiler inspector and other technicians have been called up for investigation. If we find that the incident was sue to negligence by administration, we will initiate action against them.”