At least 19 people injured after a blast furnace at Tata Steel in Meramundali, Odisha's Dhenkanal district. The injured have been sent to a Cuttack hospital.
During inspection work, the incident occurred at noon.
"We are saddened to report an accident at the BFPP2 power plant due to escape of steam at Tata Steel Meramandali Works in Dhenkanal, Odisha. The accident occurred at 1:00 pm (IST) today during the course of the inspection work and has affected a few people working at the site, who were immediately shifted to a hospital for further treatment. Immediately post the accident, all the emergency protocol services were activated and the area has been cordoned off," said Tata Steel in a statement.
"Gas leak in Odisha's Tata Steel plant: A total of 19 patients from Tata Steel's Meramandali plant in Dhenkanal were brought here. They have all suffered burns. Out of the 19 patients, 2 patients have also sustained fractures, and 6 of them are burnt above 40%. One patient has sustained burns over 70% are getting treated in the ICU," said Subrat Jena, Ashwini Hospital, Cuttack.
Meanwhile, Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan expressed his grief over the incident and said, "Pained to learn about injuries to workers at Tata Steel’s Meramandali Plant in Dhenkanal due to a gas leak. My thoughts are with all the workers and their families affected by this mishap. Praying for their earliest recovery."
They were promptly moved to the Occupational Health Centre inside the plant, and afterward at last moved to Cuttack for additional treatment in their rescue vehicle and were joined by a specialist and paramedics.
Also Read | Odisha train tragedy: Railways orders double-locking of signalling assets; bolsters train movement protocol
Also Read | Odisha STF busts 'OTP sharing scam' linked to SIM cards; Pakistan's ISI agents' involvement detected
