RAIPUR: A tragic silo collapse at a smelting plant in Chhattisgarh’s Mungeli district on Thursday has claimed the life of one worker, left another critically injured, and trapped at least four to five others under debris. Authorities fear the death toll may rise as rescue efforts continue.
The accident occurred at a private smelting plant near Rambod and Saragaon villages, around 60km from Mungeli district headquarters and 100km from Raipur. The plant, currently undergoing expansion, stored hot ash in the collapsed iron silo, which suddenly gave way, creating a hazardous rescue environment.
Challenges in Rescue Operations
Rescue teams are struggling against intense heat and the sheer weight of the debris, which includes over 70 tonnes of hot ash. Bilaspur Range IG Sanjeev Shukla explained, “The ash inside the silo is at a scorching 112 degrees Celsius. We are working to empty it before removing the structure to check for trapped individuals. Cranes and heavy equipment have been deployed to expedite the operation.”
According to the factory management, a supervisor and another laborer have been unaccounted for since the incident, raising fears they may be trapped beneath the wreckage.
Injuries and Fatalities
Two workers were initially rescued and rushed to a hospital in Bilaspur, about 35km away. Tragically, one of them succumbed to injuries, while the other remains in critical condition.
Ongoing Rescue Efforts
Mungeli SP Bhojram Patel, who is overseeing the rescue operation, stated, “The silo was an iron structure used to store large quantities of hot ash. It collapsed suddenly, trapping several workers. The debris is extremely heavy and dangerously hot, which is making the operation very challenging.”
Efforts to cool down the ash are ongoing, and the rescue operation is expected to continue through the night. Authorities are investigating whether the silo was recently constructed as part of the plant’s expansion.
