Three workers lost their lives after allegedly inhaling toxic gases while cleaning a wastewater storage tank at a manufacturing unit run by ‘Tata Electronics’ in Hosur, near Chennai in Tamil Nadu, police officials said on Tuesday.
The theft is reportedly said to have occurred Monday at the company’s plant in Krishnagiri district. The workers were cleaning a wastewater storage tank when they were allegedly exposed to toxic fumes and collapsed, the fire marshal said.
The bodies have been identified as of Sarath Kumar (25) and Akmal Babu (28), and Kaveri (31). Police at Rayakottai police station informed that all the three workers have been rushed to the district government medical college and hospital where doctors declare the men to be brought dead.
The Tamil Nadu government has expressed sadness over the incident and it noted that a comprehensive investigation would be conducted into the incident.
State Industries Minister S Keerthana in this regard condoled with the families of the deceased and urged for keeping the workplace safe.
Prevention of injury and sense of dignity for all employees must always be the highest priority,” the minister said, “appropriate steps will be taken following investigations.
The accident has spurred serious question about how to better keep workers safe during cleanup and maintenance activities at industrial sites, especially in confined areas where an exposure to a toxic gas may be harmful.
Police will be looking into the circumstances of the deaths as well as if the facility was aware of or complied with safety measures.