Reactor blast kills worker

Suryapet: In a disturbing development in Suryapet district, a worker succumbed to injuries while undergoing treatment following a reactor explosion at Kohance Pharma industry. Alleging that the accident occurred due to the management’s negligence, CPI and CPI (ML) Mass Line leaders, along with local tribal people and villagers, staged a massive protest in front of the company.

The protesters demanded the immediate relocation of the pharmaceutical unit, holding the management responsible for the accident. Venkanna died while receiving treatment at a hospital, while locals alleged that the company was concealing details about another worker who was seriously injured in the incident.

According to the protesters, the reactor exploded three days ago, killing Venkanna and leaving another person critically injured. They alleged that the accident occurred because plastic pipes were used instead of quality metal pipes, which could not withstand the pressure. They further alleged that the company was manufacturing hazardous products rejected in other areas, causing severe contamination of groundwater, air and soil.

They claimed that local residents were suffering from kidney-related ailments. The protesters demanded government compensation for the deceased worker’s family, along with an additional ex-gratia payment of Rs 2 crore. They vowed to continue their agitation until the company is relocated away from residential areas.

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The Hans India