Tamil Nadu authorities have launched an inquiry after three contract workers died during maintenance work at an effluent treatment plant.
Three contract workers died on Monday evening after inhaling toxic fumes at a Tata Electronics factory in Hosur, Tamil Nadu, according to Moneycontrol. The incident occurred at a utility facility operated by Nalco Water, which produces components for Apple iPhones.
The deceased have been identified as Kaveri, 30, of Hosur, and B Akmal, 28, and M Sarathi Kumar, 28, both from Dharmapuri district. They were reportedly desilting an effluent treatment plant storage tank when they were exposed to poisonous gases and oxygen depletion.
Krishnagiri district collector C Dinesh Kumar stated that asphyxiation during sludge removal was the primary cause of death. He has ordered Tata Electronics management to submit a detailed Action Taken Report and announced a comprehensive inquiry into potential safety regulation breaches.
Police are investigating why the labourers entered the gas-filled tank without formal protective equipment. Preliminary findings suggest that the operation lacked necessary gas monitoring tools and emergency rescue systems.
Tamil Nadu Industries Minister Virudhai Magal Keerthana said the incident would be thoroughly investigated and appropriate action would be taken. Nalco Water, an Ecolab company, said it is working with local authorities and noted the workers were engaged by a sub-contractor.
The facility was closed this week for the Deepavali festival, so there has been no impact on production, according to industry sources.
