Three contract workers die of suspected asphyxiation at Tata Electronics plant
The workers were cleaning a wastewater treatment tank in Krishnagiri district when they were allegedly exposed to toxic gas.
Three contract workers died on Monday evening while cleaning an effluent treatment plant (ETP) tank at the Tata Electronics Private Limited facility near Hosur in Krishnagiri district. According to reports from The New Indian Express, Deccan Herald, and Urban Acres, the workers were performing maintenance and cleaning work inside a nano-filtration feed tank when they were allegedly exposed to toxic gas.
The deceased have been identified as B Akmal, 28, of Thinnur village; P Kaveri, 31 or 32, of Hanumanthapuram or Jambooth; and M Sarathikumar, 25 or 28, of Belrampatti. The workers were employed by a firm engaged by Nalco to carry out maintenance on the water filtration tank.
Krishnagiri Collector C Dinesh Kumar stated that the workers were clearing sludge from the ETP when the incident occurred. He noted that there were no proper safety measures in place while handling the ETP and said the district administration is inquiring into the matter.
The victims were taken to a private hospital in Hosur, where they were pronounced dead. Their bodies have been moved to the Government Krishnagiri Medical College Hospital for postmortem examinations.
Police have launched an investigation into the deaths, which preliminary enquiries suggest may be due to inhaling toxic gas. The cause of death is expected to be confirmed following the final postmortem report. Officials are also examining whether the workers were provided with necessary protective equipment during the cleaning process.