Pipeline rupture gas leak kills six workers

An ageing pipeline burst on June 12th at an Indian steel plant. The Bhilai Steel Plant experienced a pipeline rupture, which was followed by a toxic gas leak that killed six workers and injured at least 31 others. The state-run plant had been asking for the old pipeline to be replaced for the last year, reports the Telegraph India.

The burst pipeline was used to supply water to a gas-cleaning unit that was attached to the blast furnaces. The age of the pipe meant it was in a deteriorated state, placing the steel mill in danger. A sudden loss in water pressure led to gas from the blast furnace entering the pipeline, leading to the explosion. 

While repairs were underway, toxic gas escaped from the blast furnace, leading to the hospitalisation of 20 workers, with six suffering serious injuries. A further nine suffered minor injuries that required only medical treatment on the scene, according to Vijay Kumar Mehral, a spokesperson for the steel mill. Unfortunately, the leak also killed two managers and four workers.

According to police on the scene, the gas leak was quickly controlled. The PSU announced that an inquiry has now been launched into the incident.

Kaladas Daharia, convenor of the Loktantrik Ispat Union, told the Telegraph India that over the course of the last 12 months, workers had repeatedly informed management at the steel mill of the deteriorated state of the pipe. However, no action was taken to replace or repair the line, putting workers at risk. It is not yet clear whether the age of the pipe led to the rupture or simply exacerbated the situation.

The steel plant employs tens of thousands of people and is India's main producer of steel rails. It also produces a number of different chemical byproducts from coke ovens and its coal chemical plant that are marketed. It has been operational since 1955.