A worker from Bihar was killed and seven others sustained serious burn injuries following an explosion at a private metal-melting factory in Tamil Nadu’s Tiruvallur district on Tuesday, July 14.
The incident took place inside the SIPCOT Industrial Estate at Gummidipoondi. The deceased was identified as 26-year-old Ravi Ranjan, who was employed at the industrial facility along with several other migrant workers.
According to initial reports, the explosion occurred in equipment used during the metal-melting process. The blast sparked a fire inside the unit and exposed workers operating nearby to intense heat and flames.
Gummidipoondi accident leaves seven workers injured
Fire and rescue teams reached the factory soon after receiving information about the incident. Emergency personnel brought the fire under control and helped move the injured workers out of the affected area.
Seven workers suffered serious burns and were taken to hospitals in Gummidipoondi and Chennai for treatment. Authorities had not released a complete medical update on their condition at the time of publication.
Ravi Ranjan died at the factory following the explosion. His body was later sent for a post-mortem examination as part of the official investigation.
The force of the blast damaged the section surrounding the equipment and caused panic among workers inside the premises. Police restricted access to the affected area while emergency crews completed rescue and fire-control operations.
Police begin inquiry into SIPCOT factory explosion
The Gummidipoondi SIPCOT police registered a case and started investigating the sequence of events that led to the accident.
Investigators are expected to inspect the damaged equipment, review factory records and question employees and management representatives. The exact technical cause of the explosion had not been officially confirmed.
Authorities had also not announced whether the incident resulted from a mechanical fault, operational error or another factor. No official finding had been issued assigning responsibility for the accident.
The explosion has drawn fresh attention to safety risks in metal-processing factories, where workers regularly handle high-temperature machinery and molten materials. Effective safety procedures, protective equipment and regular inspections are important in reducing the risk of severe injuries.
Further information is expected after police complete their preliminary inquiry and hospitals provide updated details about the injured workers. The latest confirmed toll remained one dead and seven injured.
