Maha: 38 workers injured in Wardha’s Uttam Steel plant accident, six critical

Nagpur: In a bizarre accident at Uttam Steel plant in Maharashtra’s Warda district left 38 workers injured, six of them critically, after coming in contact with hot air and coal particles from a furnace at the Uttam Galva Metallics on Wednesday, sources said.

Ten Injured workers have been admitted to Sevagram Hospital and 28 workers to Vinoba Bhave Hospital in Savangi Meghe. Out of the 38 injured 6 workers having more than 40% burns are in ICU, said sources.

According to sources the incident took place on Wednesday at around 5.30 in the morning during the maintenance work at Uttam Galva’s glass melting furnace. During the cleaning process the hot air and coal ash particles fell on the workers leaving 38 of them injured.

Taking cognizance of the matter, Guardian Minister, Sunil Kedar has directed to take strict action against those responsible for the accident by conducting an investigation through the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board.

Mr Kedar also directed to provide rapid medical facilities to the workers injured in the accident in accordance with the provisions of the Factories Act, 1948, through the Directorate of Industrial Safety and Health, as well as through the Government Labor Officers, the Payment Rules and the Workers Insurance Rules, said the sources.

Uttam Galva Metallics is among the largest manufacturers of cold rolled steel and galvanized steel in western India.

The company is into the business of procuring hot rolled steel. In galvanized coils it specializes in making ultra thin sheets, sources added. (UNI)