A massive chimney at Kusum Steel Plant in the Mungeli district of Chhattisgarh collapsed during construction work leaving a factory worker dead and several others injured and many feared trapped. The tragedy occurred in Rambord village, located along the Raipur-Bilaspur Highway, with the death toll feared to rise as rescue operations continue.

The incident sparked outrage over alleged safety lapses and negligence by the plant’s management. According to initial reports, over 12-15 workers were present at the site when the heavy structure, reportedly a chimney, came crashing down. Six workers died instantly while rescue teams were battling to retrieve others still buried under the rubble. Bilaspur IG Sanjeev Shukla informed The Statesman that the factory’s HR department has officially reported one worker as missing in the accident.

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“At this stage, it is difficult to confirm how many workers are trapped or deceased. The exact figures will only be known after the silo cools down and the rescue operation concludes,” he stated. Eyewitnesses reported scenes of panic and anguish as the collapse unfolded. Factory workers and locals have alleged negligence by the plant’s management, citing a lack of regular maintenance and improper safety measures.

“The machinery and structures inside the plant were not inspected or repaired on time,” claimed one worker, adding that the plant’s expansion was being carried out hastily. The incident has drawn widespread criticism, with families of the victims and local residents demanding a high-level inquiry into the accident and stringent action against those responsible. Many gathered at the site, urging the government to ensure justice for the victims and compensation for their families.

The tragedy comes amidst ongoing grievances about pollution and poor safety standards at the plant. Residents of nearby villages have long complained about the adverse environmental impact of the factory. The collapse only deepens concerns about its operations.

This is not the first time such an incident has raised questions about industrial safety standards in Chhattisgarh. On January 2, a similar accident occurred at the Karni Kripa Mini Steel Plant in Mahasamund, where a worker lost his life. Investigations revealed severe lapses in safety protocols at the construction site. In another recent case, a tragic accident at an alumina plant in Sarguja district saw the death of four workers when a coal hopper and a 150-foot conveyor belt collapsed.

These recurring accidents underline the dire need for stricter enforcement of safety regulations and oversight across the state’s industrial sectors. Local police and district administration teams rushed to the Kusum Steel Plant following the incident.

However, allegations have surfaced that the plant management initially restricted access to the site, delaying rescue operations. It was only after mounting pressure from workers and onlookers that the rescue teams were allowed to proceed. Rescue operations are ongoing, with officials working tirelessly to retrieve those trapped beneath the rubble. The administration has assured a thorough investigation into the incident, promising strict action against any lapses.