Labourer burnt to death, 5 more hurt in Durgapur

One labourer was burnt to death and five others sustained severe burn injuries while at work in a private sponge iron factory in Kamalpur, Durgapur, in the early hours today.

The deceased, who had joined the night shift yesterday evening, was a resident of Nawada district in Bihar. The accident occurred when a ladle filled with hot molten metal spilled onto him.

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He has been identified as 27-year-old Naveen Kumar Yadav of Bihar. Fellow labourers have demanded compensation for his family. Bunty Singh, INTTUC leader, said they would hold discussions with the plant management and press for the labourers’ demands.

“We will seek not only compensation for the victim’s family but also employment for the kin of the deceased,” he added.

The victim was taken to Durgapur Sub-Divisional Hospital, where doctors declared him dead on arrival. The other five injured labourers have been admitted in critical condition to a private super-speciality hospital in Bidhan Nagar, Durgapur.

Trade unions have also called for strict adherence to safety protocols for workers. Officers of the Asansol Durgapur Police Commissionerate (ADPC) visited the factory and have launched an investigation.