Five Workers Die from Smoke Inhalation at Malfunctioning Rice Mill in Uttar Pradesh

Five workers lost their lives, and three others were hospitalised after allegedly inhaling smoke from a faulty dryer at a rice mill in Bahraich on Friday, officials reported. The Rajgarhia Rice Mill incident occurred around 5 am when workers entered the dryer area to investigate the smoke and subsequently lost consciousness.

The management has pledged Rs 10 lakh compensation for each family of the deceased workers. The tragedy has prompted a joint investigation by officials, including the Chief Fire Officer and Assistant Labour Commissioner, to determine the cause. District Magistrate Monika Rani stated that the smoke led to suffocation, resulting in the deaths.

Compensation and Investigation

Rajgarhia Food Products Pvt Ltd's Director, Vinod Agarwal, explained that the dryer is an automated machine using steam-generated hot air to dry paddy. He asserted that under normal conditions, there should be no smoke or fire. However, a worker noticed smoke early in the morning and turned off the machine to inspect it. When he did not return, seven other workers followed him and also collapsed.

The fire brigade arrived at the scene and rescued the unconscious workers. They were taken to the district hospital, where five were pronounced dead, while three are receiving treatment. Chief Medical Superintendent Dr M M Tripathi identified the deceased as Rajesh Kumar 26, Bablu Prajapati 28, Gaffar 22, Jahoor 60, and Bittu Shah 30 from Madhepura, Bihar.

Safety Concerns and Legal Actions

The injured workers include Surendra 40, Devi Prasad 25, and Sukhdev 30. Additional Superintendent of Police City Ramanand Prasad Kushwaha confirmed there was no fire at the site but noted that overpowering smoke caused all eight workers to collapse. Legal actions will follow based on the investigation's findings.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath expressed condolences and instructed officials to ensure proper treatment for those injured. The Chief Minister's Office shared on social media that necessary assistance should be provided promptly.

Company's Response and Safety Protocols

In response to this tragic event, Rajgarhia Food Products Pvt Ltd announced financial aid of Rs 10 lakh for each family of the deceased workers and Rs 50,000 for each injured worker. Director Vinod stated, "The entire board of directors expresses deep condolences to the bereaved families. While we cannot undo this unbearable loss, as a gesture of humanitarian support and solidarity, we recommend Rs 10 lakh for each deceased worker's family. Additionally, we recommend Rs 50,000 along with full medical support for the injured employees."

This incident has highlighted significant concerns about safety protocols in industrial units, even those with advanced automation. Authorities are expected to review current safety standards in such facilities following the investigation.