Raipur/Baloda Bazar, Jan 22 (NationPress) A catastrophic explosion struck the DSC coal furnace at Real Ispat & Power Limited, a private facility situated in Bakulahi village, Baloda Bazar district of Chhattisgarh, tragically resulting in the deaths of seven labourers on Thursday morning and injuring ten others critically.

This incident has sent ripples of fear throughout the industrial sector, amplifying already existing worries about workplace safety in heavy industries.

Initial reports from the police indicate that the blast occurred unexpectedly while workers were engaged near the furnace.

Former Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh, Bhupesh Baghel, shared on his X account, “We have received the heartbreaking news of an explosion at a sponge iron factory in the Bakulahi region of Balodabazar district. Many factory workers are believed to have lost their lives in this dreadful incident. May God grant peace to the souls lost and provide strength to their families during this challenging time.”

He continued to advocate for the government and local administration to ensure that proper medical care is provided to the injured, and to offer fair compensation to the families affected by this tragedy. He called for a thorough investigation into the incident and urged for strict measures against those accountable.

As of now, the Chhattisgarh government, led by Vishnu Deo Sai, has yet to announce any ex-gratia for the victims.

The labourers faced severe exposure to intensely hot coal as the explosion dispersed burning materials, leading to fatal burns for the seven deceased.

Several other victims were swiftly transported to a nearby hospital for urgent medical care, and their conditions are currently under assessment, though updates have not been made available.

No official statement has been released by the company representatives to this point. Eyewitnesses recounted seeing a massive black smoke cloud rising into the sky post-explosion, with flames engulfing sections of the furnace area.

The explosion's impact blackened the building's walls and spread ash and burnt coal throughout the site, resulting in a scene of chaos.

Firefighters were quickly dispatched to manage the fire and prevent further damage.

Police from the Nipania outpost and Bhatapara rural station arrived promptly. They secured the site, recovered the deceased, and organized post-mortem examinations to ascertain the official causes of death.

Authorities are conducting an investigation to determine the exact cause of the explosion, considering possibilities such as equipment malfunction, gas accumulation, improper maintenance, or other factors.

The definitive cause remains unconfirmed, and a detailed inquiry involving industrial safety experts is anticipated.

This tragedy has reignited demands for stricter safety regulations in steel and coal processing facilities across Chhattisgarh, a state governed by the BJP with a substantial industrial presence.

Local labor unions and community members mourn the loss, as many of those who perished were the primary providers for their families.