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Journalism of Courage
This is an archive article published on January 8, 2025
Labourer dies, 5 hurt in blast at waste-to-energy plant near Bengaluru, minister K J George orders technical probe
According to police, the accident occurred on Saturday following sudden release of hot ash from the plant situated in Bidadi.
Energy Minister K J George who visited the site on Tuesday ordered a technical investigation into the incident. (FB)
A contract labourer at a yet-to-be inaugurated waste-to-energy plant in Bidadi, situated 32 km from Bengaluru, succumbed to injuries on Tuesday following an explosion at workplace early on Saturday, the police said. Five other workers also suffered serious injuries as they were engaged in repairing a malfunctioning energy-generating machine, they added.
According to the police, the accident occurred around 4.30 am following the sudden release of hot ash from the plant which is yet to be handed over to Karnataka Energy Department.
The police have identified the deceased as Umesh, 29, a boiler assistant, while the injured are Amlesh, 31, Umesh, 29, Santun, 31, Tarun, 29, and Lakhan, 28.
“The plant receives segregated dry waste from Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) for power generation. Over time, metallic debris like pins entered the unit, clogging the ash outlet. While attempting to clean the blockage, a blast of ash injured the workers. We were unprepared for such issues,” said a senior official with the Karnataka Power Corporation Limited (KPCL).
The injured were rushed to Victoria Hospital, where Umesh passed away. The police have registered a negligence case against the plant manager.
Power generation that was disrupted on Monday is expected to resume by Thursday, said the officer.
Meanwhile, Energy Minister K J George who visited the site on Tuesday ordered a technical investigation into the incident.
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“Preliminary findings suggest the ash pipe was blocked, and the workers opened it without proper safety measures,” he said.
The minister has promised to provide compensation for the deceased worker’s family and medical expenses for the injured.
The plant is operated and maintained by ISGEC Heavy Engineering Ltd, Noida, in partnership with Hitachi Zosen India. ISGEC is responsible for construction, while Hitachi Zosen India provides technical support.
© The Indian Express Pvt Ltd
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