Prayagraj: At least four labourers were killed and more than a dozen others injured after a portion of a cold storage facility collapsed, possibly after a blast in an ammonia gas tank, in Prayagraj on Monday afternoon.
A major emergency situation ensued as there was ammonia gas leak.
The death toll is likely to rise as six of the injured undergoing treatment at a nearby hospital were reported to be in a critical condition.
According to reports, the deceased were from Bihar.
The blast took place around 1 pm when the labourers were having lunch or resting.
Rescue operations, which were delayed as leaked ammonia gas forced the people to keep away from the site, are still underway police, district administration, SDRF and fire brigade teams looked for possible survivors trapped under the rubble.
“The exact cause of the incident will only be known after an investigation as some people claim an explosion occurred inside, possibly due to gas. The wall collapsed as a result,” Prayagraj DM Manish Kumar Verma said.
“A committee has been formed under the chairmanship of ADM Finance to investigate the incident. They will examine various aspects and submit a report to us within 24 to 48 hours. Four people have died, and we have contacted their families. Twelve people are being treated at the SRN Hospital. Other relief and rescue operations are ongoing,” the DM added.
Authorities said the affected cold storage facility is linked to former Samajwadi Party MLA Ansar Ahmad.
CM, PM express grief, announce aid
UP chief minister Yogi Adityanath said the incident was “deeply tragic and heart-wrenching”, and extended condolences to the bereaved families.
The CM announced financial assistance of Rs 2 lakh to the families of the deceased, and Rs 50,000 to the injured.
Expressing grief over the loss of lives, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said he was “deeply saddened” by the mishap.
An ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh each from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF) was announced for the next of kin of the deceased, while the injured will receive Rs 50,000.
