Committee members inspecting the factory
– Photo : Dialogue
Expansion
The furnace factory in Talanagari, Aligarh, where the accident happened, was running without fire NOC. A temporary NOC was taken at the time of building construction in 2011, and the work continued with this. After this, no further permanent NOC was taken for factory operation. If we talk about the evidence of the accident, the investigation team led by ADM City investigated for three hours on Saturday and the team has doubts on many evidences. In which there is a possibility of explosion due to shocker, gas cylinder as well as negligence of the staff. The investigation of this team will continue for two more days. Only after this, negligence and action will be decided.
On May 25, a team led by ADM City Amit Kumar Bhatt reached Mankameshwar Furnace Factory for investigation. The team reached around 11 am and investigated till 2 pm. The team included officials from UPSIDC, factory, electrical safety, fire service, industry etc. departments. Prima facie investigation revealed that the explosion occurred due to some banned item entering the boiler. Among the banned items, 40 small and big sealed gas cylinders were recovered from the spot. These were immediately handed over to Loric Gas Agency by calling the supply team. Apart from this, a large number of vehicle shockers, spray machines etc. were recovered from the junk. There is a possibility of explosion if these products are put in the boiler without breaking them.
The fact that the temperature reaches 1800 degrees also came up
During this time, the investigation team took statements from the company’s manager, accountant and three employees. The owners were also spoken to. During this, the negligence of one of the deceased employees was pointed out that the furnace operates up to a temperature of 1600 degrees. But due to some reason, the furnace reached a temperature of 1800 degrees on Saturday evening. Less material was able to reach it. Meanwhile, the employee wandered around and the explosion may have occurred due to gas formation due to less material and high temperature. These facts have also been made a part of the investigation. However, due to some contradictions in the statements, these are not being trusted. But they cannot be ignored either.