Two labourers died following gas leak in a sponge iron factory in the IDC area under the Brahmani Tarang police station in the city on Monday night.
The deceased were identified as Ajay Samad and Francis Kerketa. According to reports, the duo fell unconscious due to leakage of gas while cleaning the furnace. They were rushed to the Rourkela Government Hospital (RGH), where doctor declared them dead.
Tension gripped the factory premises as workers and locals gathered in front of the factory on Tuesday morning. Policemen have been deployed at the spot to avoid any untoward incident. A case has been registered in connection with the deaths and further investigation is underway.