Death toll in Surat textile mill explosion rises to five as two more workers succumb to injuries

The latest casualties of the accident have been identified as Jogendra Prajapati (35), a native of Uttar Pradesh, and Preeti Rajput (28) from Madhya Pradesh.

Initially, the family members and relatives of both the workers refused to accept their bodies. They held a protest outside the private hospital where the duo was admitted and demanded compensation from the factory owner. They finally agreed to accept the bodies after police intervened and assured them of compensation.

Meanwhile, the bodies of two labourers who died on the day of the accident are yet to be identified with a report of DNA test, necessitated since the bodies were badly charred, awaited.

On Thursday, a worker called Priyankadevi Sahoo (30) succumbed to her burn injuries.

Last Monday, a drum washer machine in Santosh Textile Mills exploded, injuring 22 labourers and killing two on the spot. Police sources said 15 labourers are still undergoing medical treatment at a private hospital in Surat city.

So far, Palsana police have registered an offence of accidental death in the matter.

Talking to The Indian Express, Deputy Director of DISH, Surat, Brijesh Chauhan said, “Primarily, we have found that the pressure in the drum washing machine had gone up, which resulted in the explosion, causing chemicals mixed with hot water to fall on the labourers. We are also collecting technical details from the company authorities. Later, we will prepare our report and submit it to the police and district authorities. The technical details include whether the machines in the factory were in proper working condition or not.”

Surat District Superintendent of Police Rajesh Gadhiya said, “Investigation is going on. We are waiting for the reports from DISH officials to determine whether there was a technical fault in the drum machine that may have led to the explosion. We have come across minor negligence on the part of the factory, but we are waiting for the final opinion of DISH officials. This would help us take further steps in the matter.”