A recent boiler explosion at Decker Panel Industries, situated within the Ananthapuram Industrial Estate in Kumbala, Kasaragod, Kerala, has tragically brought to light severe safety breaches. This devastating incident claimed the life of one worker and left eight others injured, highlighting critical lapses in industrial oversight.
Disturbing CCTV footage from Wednesday, capturing the horrific October 27 accident, shows workers gathered perilously close to the boiler just moments before it violently erupted.
The ongoing investigation has unearthed a shocking pattern of non-compliance with essential safety protocols. Crucially, the boiler was being operated by uncertified workers from outside the state, a direct contravention of mandatory safety regulations. Officials have confirmed that the factory management knowingly disregarded legal requirements for employing licensed boiler operators. Early findings suggest the explosion was triggered by a dangerous combination of critically low water levels and extreme overheating, further exacerbated by the factory’s failure to address numerous prior warnings from employees regarding potential equipment malfunctions.
The explosion tragically claimed the life of 19-year-old Najirul Ali from Assam. Eight other workers, hailing from Assam and Bihar, sustained severe burn injuries, with one individual currently in critical condition.
Authorities have promptly initiated legal proceedings, with the factory owner facing charges including culpable homicide, alongside other offenses under various safety and labor laws. A comprehensive report from the Factories and Boilers department is anticipated shortly, following a thorough inspection of the boiler unit, electrical systems, and all related equipment.
In response to the tragedy, District Collector K. Inbasekar announced that immediate financial assistance will be provided to the family of the deceased worker. Furthermore, he has mandated a significant intensification of safety inspections across all industrial units within the complex to prevent any future recurrences of such a devastating incident.