Deadly Industrial Tragedy: Six Workers Killed, Six Injured in Chhattisgarh Steel Plant Collapse

A devastating industrial accident rocked Chhattisgarh’s capital, Raipur, on Friday afternoon when the roof of a structure at a private steel plant collapsed, resulting in the immediate deaths of six workers and leaving six others injured. The tragedy occurred in the Siltara industrial area, a major manufacturing hub on the outskirts of Raipur.

According to police officials, the incident took place at the plant premises of Godawari Power & Ispat Limited (GPIL). Initial reports suggest the roof, constructed with specialized materials designed to withstand high temperatures within the steel plant, gave way while some activity or work was underway in the area underneath.

The collapse happened in the afternoon, trapping several employees under the massive debris. Emergency services, including police, the fire brigade, and disaster management teams, were immediately mobilised and rushed to the site to commence a large-scale rescue operation. Plant employees also assisted in the initial efforts to extract those pinned beneath the wreckage.

Speaking on the tragic incident, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Lal Umed Singh confirmed the fatalities and injuries. “We received information that some people were trapped after a roof collapsed near the Godavari Ispat facility. The police and other officials arrived promptly, and a rescue operation was initiated. Six bodies have been recovered, and six injured individuals have been rescued so far,” the SSP stated, adding that rescue efforts were still ongoing as authorities feared some more people could remain trapped.

The six injured workers were swiftly rushed to a nearby hospital for urgent medical attention. Police sources indicated that the condition of at least three of the rescued persons was critical, highlighting the severity of the injuries sustained in the collapse.

The factory premises have been evacuated and cordoned off by the police as the investigation into the exact cause of the structural failure begins. The atmosphere outside the plant remained tense, with worried family members and friends of the workers gathering anxiously, desperately awaiting updates on their loved ones.

Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives in the accident. The Chief Minister issued directions to the district administration to ensure the injured workers receive the best possible medical care. The incident has once again brought to the fore serious concerns regarding safety protocols and structural maintenance within high-risk industrial environments in the region.

An official investigation has been launched to determine whether the collapse was due to structural instability, negligence, or a combination of factors. Authorities are collecting evidence and interviewing eyewitnesses, with a commitment to take stringent action based on the findings of the probe. Labour unions and civil society groups are already demanding a thorough and impartial inquiry, along with adequate compensation for the families of the deceased and the injured. Further details regarding the collapse and the ongoing rescue and recovery process are awaited.