Surat : Two workers killed in gas leak at chemical plant

Surat, Gujarat –A deadly gas leak at Mangalmurti Chemical Company near Nana Borsara in Mangrol taluka claimed the lives of two workers. The men suffocated to death due to toxic fumes while performing routine maintenance inside a reactor, highlighting grave concerns about industrial safety protocols and leaving a pall of grief over the community.

The fatal event unfolded early this morning at Mangalmurti Biochem Company Private Limited, a factory that manufactures raw materials for medicines. According to initial reports, Rajkumar Singh Narayan Singh (37), originally from Bihar, entered a reactor tank to clean its interior as part of ongoing maintenance work. Within moments, he began to show signs of gas suffocation, collapsing inside the confined space.

“It was a horrifying situation,” stated a company source, who preferred to remain anonymous. “One worker went in, and then his colleague, in a desperate attempt to save him, followed. Both were overcome instantly by the gas.”

The second worker, Rajan Dayanand Sharma (27), originally from Uttar Pradesh, bravely rushed into the tank to rescue his colleague. However, the poisonous gas within the reactor was so potent that both men were simultaneously overcome, succumbing to suffocation within minutes. The suddenness and severity of the incident plunged the company into chaos, transforming a routine workday into a scene of unimaginable tragedy.

“We received a call that two workers named Rajessingh and Rajesh Sharma, residing in Ankleshwar, who are originally from UP and Bihar, have died due to the toxic effects of gas leakage,” confirmed PI D. L. Khachar of Kosamba police. “We immediately dispatched officers to the scene.”

Both victims were quickly transported to Jayaben Modi Hospital in Ankleshwar for emergency treatment. However, the lethal effects of the gas were too severe, and both men were pronounced dead before any further medical intervention could be administered. Their bodies have been sent for postmortem examination as part of the ongoing investigation.

Mangalmurti Chemical Company, which manufactures chemicals used in pesticides, has come under immediate scrutiny. Initial reports suggest a potential lapse in safety procedures during the reactor cleaning process. The deceased workers had reportedly been employed at the company for two years, commuting daily from Ankleshwar in Bharuch district.

“We are investigating the company thoroughly,” PI D. L. Khachar added, addressing the lack of immediate clarity from the management. “Since the company’s management was not present [at the immediate scene], this matter has not been fully clarified. More details will be available after further investigation. We have conducted a thorough investigation.”