The toll in a blast at a petrochemical factory in Uttar Pradesh’s Bijnor district rose to seven after one more body was found, the Hindustan Times reported on Thursday. Three people were reported to be missing after the accident.
On Wednesday morning, a methane tank exploded in the factory when labourers were carrying out welding work to seal a leak in the tank. The family of the deceased have demanded action against the factory owner. The police have booked the owner under Section 304 of the Indian Penal Code for culpable homicide not amounting to murder.
Sub-divisional Magistrate Brajesh Singh told The Times of India that the factory has been sealed for safety reasons and that work at the premises has been suspended. “If the factory continues to function, it will harm labourers as well as the environment as the biogas tank has been ruined in the blast,” Singh told the newspaper. “An investigation is on and action will be taken as soon as the inquiry report in the matter reaches us.”
Limited-time offer: Big stories, small price. Keep independent media alive. Become a Scroll member today!
Our journalism is for everyone. But you can get special privileges by buying an annual Scroll Membership. Sign up today!