Three workers were killed and two sustained injuries on Thursday morning in a suspected sulphur dioxide gas leak at CIL Laboratories Limited in the Kadechur-Badiyal Industrial Area of Yadgir district in Karnataka.
Officials told, the victims reportedly inhaled the toxic gas before dying on the spot. At present, the injured are receiving treatment at the Raichur Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS).
Following the incident, Deputy Commissioner Rahul Tukaram Pandwe and Superintendent of Police Prithvik Shankar visited the factory to inspect the site.
Police have registered a First Information Report (FIR) against the firm’s manager and other senior management officials.
Officials told media they deployed a multi-gas indicator at the site to assess the situation, adding the sulphur dioxide reaction is currently under control. The reactor where the incident occurred has been completely shut down.
Teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) also visited the site to collect evidence to further the investigation.
A probe has also been ordered into the alleged violation of safety norms. According to SP Prithvik Shankar, a comprehensive probe is underway and and strict action will be taken against those found responsible.
