Three contract workers of Tata Steel were seriously injured at around 10:20 am on Saturday following a blast in the foul gas line at Battery 6 of Coke Plant at the company's Jamshedpur Steel Works. Panic gripped the company premises as the blast was massive with huge flames taking over Battery 6.
Sources said there was a spurting of fire around the area of the blast site. It was immediately controlled as per established fire control and safety procedures.
Soon after the blast, the plant operation came to a halt and the dismantling process began. The ambulance and fire tenders rushed to the spot and the area was cordoned off.
A communique issued by the company said, “Currently, Battery 6 is non-operational and is undergoing a dismantling process. The ambulance and fire tenders immediately reached the incident site and the area has been cordoned off. The situation has been brought to control”.
It further added that: “Two of the contract employees sustained minor injuries, and were sent to TMH for treatment. Another employee who complained of chest pain was also sent to TMH for observation. Their condition is stable. The incident has been reported to the relevant authorities and investigation to assess the cause is underway. As a responsible corporate, Tata Steel is committed to safe operations and the safety & wellbeing of all its stakeholders”.
The note further stated that two of the contract employees sustained minor injuries, and were sent to Tata Main Hospital for treatment. Another employee who complained of chest pain was also sent to TMH for observation. Their condition was stated to be stable.
“It is too early to comment on the reasons behind the blast. We have called an investigation after the blast. Moreover, the mishap has been reported to the relevant authorities and investigation to assess the cause is underway, ” said an official.
In 2015 too, twelve workers were injured after an explosion that took place at the Coke Plant inside Tata Steel Jamshedpur works. The explosion took place during maintenance work in the ammonia scrubber unit of the coke plant at around 10.30 am. Soon after the incident the Coke Plant was closed for necessary maintenance.