Bahraich: A dryer malfunction at a rice mill in Uttar Pradesh’s (UP) Bahraich killed 5 workers and left 3 hospitalised. The deaths were reportedly caused after the workers inhaled toxic smoke emanating from the malfunctioning dryer. The management will pay a compensation of Rs 10 lakh each to the family of the deceased, said officials.
Accident when workers were drying paddy: DM
The accident took place at around 5 am on Friday at the Rajgarhia Rice Mill. According to a report in PTI, the workers had entered the dryer area to inspect smoke emanating from the machine and lost consciousness.
District Magistrate, Monica Rani said that workers were drying paddy, when they suddenly noticed smoke coming out of the dryer. The smoke left the men unconscious and led to 5 deaths. A 5-member team, comprising of Chief Fire Officer, Assistant Labour Commissioner, District Industries Centre General Manager and technical experts has been constituted to probe the matter, she added.
No scope of fire, claims Director of rice mill
Meanwhile, the Director of Rajgarhia Food Products Pvt Ltd where this accident took place claimed that the dryer is fully automated and uses hot air generated from steam to remove moisture from paddy. He claimed that therefore there was no scope for smoke or fire in the machine, under normal circumstances.
Explaining the chain events on the day of the accident, the Director said that one of the workers noticed smoke inside the dryer and immediately switched off the machine. He then went to inspect it. When he did not return for some time, 7 other workers followed him to check upon him. One after the other, all of them fell unconscious.
The fire brigade was called and they managed to retrieve the unconscious workers. All of them were rushed to hospital, where 5 were declared dead. 3 of the workers are undergoing treatment. The Chief Medical Superintendent Dr M M Tripathi identified the deceased workers as, Rajesh Kumar (26), Bablu Prajapati (28), Gaffar (22), Jahoor (60) and Bittu Shah (30). All of them belonged to Madhepura, Bihar. Those injured include Surendra (40), Devi Prasad (25) and Sukhdev (30).
Meanwhile the rice mill management will also pay Rs 50,000 to those injured in the incident. They have already announced compensation for the families of the deceased.
In a statement, the Director of the rice mill, Vinod said, “The entire board of directors expresses deep condolences to the bereaved families. While we cannot undo this unbearable loss, as a gesture of humanitarian support and solidarity, we recommend Rs 10 lakh for each deceased worker’s family. Additionally, we recommend Rs 50,000 along with full medical support for the injured employees.”
UP CM takes note of accident
UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath expressed his condolences to the deceased workers. He directed officials to ensure proper treatment for the injured. The Chief Minister’s Office posted on social media that necessary assistance must be extended promptly.
Additional Superintendent of Police (City) Ramanand Prasad Kushwaha, meanwhile dismissed reports of a fire at the site. He however acknowledged that there was smoke at the site and this caused all the 8 workers to loose consciousness. He said that action will be taken based on the findings of the investigating team.
