Three contract workers die of asphyxiation at Tata Electronics factory
The workers were performing maintenance on an effluent treatment plant tank in Hosur, Tamil Nadu, according to reports.
Three contract workers died on Monday evening after inhaling suspected toxic gas while cleaning a tank at a Tata Electronics facility in Hosur, Tamil Nadu, according to ThePrint. The factory manufactures components for Apple iPhones.
The deceased have been identified as B. Akmal, 28, P. Kaveri, 30, and M.
Sarathikumar, 25, all from Dharmapuri district. They were part of a four-member maintenance team engaged by Nalco Water, a subsidiary of US-based Ecolab, through a contractor.
District Collector C. Dinesh Kumar said the incident occurred around 5 pm when the workers were inspecting an external nano-filtration tank. Akmal reportedly collapsed after opening the tank lid, followed by Sarathikumar and Kaveri while attempting to assist him.
The workers were taken to a private hospital in Hosur where they were declared dead. Their bodies were moved to the Government Medical College Hospital in Krishnagiri for post-mortem examinations.
Ecolab stated it will provide Rs 30 lakh compensation to the family of each deceased worker in addition to insurance. Tamil Nadu Industries Minister Keerthana expressed condolences and said the government would investigate to ensure appropriate action is taken.
Police are examining whether a chemical powder used to suppress odour reacted with residue to release gas. Authorities are also looking into the use of protective equipment and adherence to confined-space protocols.