Four killed in molten metal blast at Assam rod factory; four-pronged probe ordered

Guwahati, July 26: Four workers, including one from Tripura, were killed after molten metal exploded inside a metal processing unit in Assam’s Cachar district on Sunday, triggering multiple investigations into the accident and allegations of repeated safety violations at the factory.

The explosion occurred around 11 am at Kade Global Infrastructure LLP’s metal processing unit at Pangram in Udharbond constituency. The blast was so powerful that it was heard across the locality, sending panicked residents rushing to the site.

Locals described a gruesome scene, saying the force of the explosion tore the victims apart.

“The sound was deafening. When we reached the spot, we saw that the bodies had been torn apart, with body parts scattered over a wide area,” a resident said.

Police, Fire and Emergency Services personnel rushed to the factory and rescued several injured workers. While some were admitted to hospitals for treatment, others with minor injuries were discharged after receiving medical attention.

The deceased were identified as Appu Boraik (32), Kiron Munda (28), Shyamal Gaur and Sagar Nath, a resident of Agartala in Tripura. Police said all four died on the spot. Their bodies were later sent to Silchar Medical College and Hospital for post-mortem after being identified by family members.

Cachar Senior Superintendent of Police Sanjeev Saikia said a case would be registered and an investigation had begun.

According to police, Kade Global Infrastructure LLP operates two scrap metal processing units in the area. Sunday’s accident occurred at the company’s newer Pangram unit, which was established about a year ago.

State minister Kaushik Rai, who visited the site, announced that a magisterial inquiry, a police investigation and a probe by the District Labour Commissioner had been ordered to determine the cause of the explosion and whether mandatory workplace safety norms had been followed.

“The district administration has sought details from the owners regarding the safety measures being followed in the factory. The exact cause of the explosion is also being investigated. At present, a four-layer investigation is underway,” Rai said.

He said Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma had spoken to him after the incident and announced an ex gratia payment of ₹5 lakh to the families of each of the deceased. The government would also ask the company to provide adequate compensation to the victims’ families, he added.

The tragedy sparked protests outside the factory, with hundreds of residents from Pangram and nearby villages accusing the company of ignoring safety norms.

Several locals alleged that smaller explosions had occurred at the factory in the past but were never officially reported.

“Such incidents have happened several times before. The victims never showed up afterwards and, as per our knowledge, they were workers from other states who were quietly sent back. We want a proper investigation into everything,” a resident alleged.

Family members of Appu Boraik also accused the factory management of initially attempting to conceal the incident.

“We were first told that he was injured, but we were not allowed inside. Later they informed us that he had died. Even then we were not allowed to see him immediately. We demand a proper investigation,” a relative alleged.

Responding to the allegations, Rai said investigators would examine any evidence of previous accidents that emerged during the inquiry.

“Everyone found accountable for the mishap will be brought under the law. The government will also review safety measures being followed in similar industries across the state,” he said.

The management of Kade Global Infrastructure LLP could not be contacted for comment.

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