Durgapur: An accident occurred at the Blast Furnace Department of the Durgapur Steel Plant (DSP) on Monday afternoon.
According to sources, around 3:30 pm, an oxygen cylinder suddenly exploded inside the repairing shop of the Blast Furnace Department. In the explosion, one permanent employee and two contract workers sustained burn injuries. The injured have been identified as Rezzak Ali, Imran Ali and Baridbaran Ghosh. They were immediately rescued and taken to the plant’s medical centre for first aid, after which all three were shifted to the DSP hospital. The incident triggered panic among the workers.
Plant sources said that among the injured, Rezzak Ali and Imran Ali are contract workers, while Baridbaran Ghosh is a permanent employee. All three were working the B shift on Monday. They were using an oxygen cylinder to open a machine part for repairs when the cylinder suddenly exploded. Being closest to it, Rezzak Ali, Imran Ali and Baridbaran Ghosh suffered burns on their faces; their hands were also slightly burnt. Hearing the loud noise, nearby workers rushed to the spot and rescued them.
DSP’s Public Relations Officer, Bedbandhu Ray, confirmed the incident, saying:
“An oxygen cylinder used for work exploded, causing an accident in which three workers were injured. They are currently undergoing treatment at the hospital. A probe team is being formed to investigate how the incident occurred. The team will examine all aspects and submit a detailed report, based on which further action will be taken.”