ASHISH SINHA
Bokaro, April 6: Bokaro Steel Plant was engulfed in chaos on Saturday morning following an incident in its hotstrip plant. Smoke suddenly filled the plant during operations, leading to concerns about a potential poisonous gas leak.
Prompt response measures were initiated by the plant management, including immediate rescue and relief efforts. The hospital was placed on high alert as a precautionary measure. However, Bokaro Steel management has refuted claims of any poisonous gas leak.
Evacuation ordered at plant after incident
The incident prompted all workers and employees to evacuate the plant as a safety measure. Management has advised against approaching the Hot Strip Mill until further notice.
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Meanwhile, a district administration official said that two to three workers got injured and were admitted to the hospital.
According to eyewitnesses, the incident occurred at around 8.30 am. During maintenance work on the mixed gas pipeline, supplying gas to the hot strip mill’s reheating furnace was underway as scheduled.
Incident during maintenance work, no injuries reported
The pipeline, which was closed and devoid of gas, required a compensator change, necessitating cutting and welding work. Sparks from the welding ignited inflammable substances such as Naptha and Sulphur stored in the pipeline, causing a significant amount of smoke to spread to the hot strip mill, resulting in a brief period of chaos.
A BSL public relations official clarified that there was no gas leakage and urged against panic. The fire has been extinguished, and senior officers oversee the situation on-site. Fortunately, no employees were injured in the incident.
The official advised against believing or spreading rumours, emphasizing the importance of accurate information dissemination.
