3 workers killed in chemical factory blast

PNS|Eluru

Three workers were killed when an explosion took place in a chemical factory at Kondagudem village in Devarapalli mandal on Tuesday. The government announced Rs 20 lakh ex gratia to the bereaved families.

According to reports, a massive explosion took place in the Vision Drugs factory when workers were working at the methanol plant. The workers – Donga Mahidhar Musalaiah (32), Y Ratna Babu (33), and Satyanarayana (35) – were killed instantaneously. They suffered severe burns leading to their death and the bodies were shifted to the Government hospital in Kovvur.

East Godavari district SP Sudhir Kumar Reddy told the media that the Deputy Inspector of Factories was informed about the blast following which he started conducting an inquiry to ascertain the cause of the incident.

Home Minister Taneti Vanita expressed shock and grief over the death of three workers in an explosion in the Vision Drugs factory. She went to the Government hospital and saw the bodies and consoled the family members.

She announced that ex gratia would be paid to each of the bereaved families and a job would also be provided to a family member. She assured the bereaved families of all help. She said that she had instructed the management of the company to do justice to the bereaved families. Joint Collector Sridhar, Kovvur Municipal Chairperson Bavana Ratnakumari, and other officials were among those who accompanied the Home Minister.

Meanwhile, Rajahmundry Collector K Madhavilatha said that the government announced Rs 20 lakh ex gratia to the bereaved families. She said that as per preliminary investigation reports negligence in taking precautionary measures led to the blast.

A comprehensive inquiry to ascertain the exact reasons and who is responsible for the explosion was ordered. She said that Rs 2.50 lakh is being disbursed to the bereaved families to conduct last rites.