Blast at chemical plant kills 1

Tribune News Service

Nangal, May 15

One person was killed, while another injured seriously in a blast in a water condensate tank at government-owned Punjab Alkalies and Chemicals Limited (PACL) here on Tuesday.

The deceased has been identified as Rajinder Kumar (54). The injured, Ajay Kumar (24), has been admitted to a government hospital.

Two other employees suffered minor bruises in the incident, which occurred around 1 pm. The company produces chlorine gas and caustic soda at the plant.

Deputy General Manager, PACL, MPS Walia said Rajinder Kumar and Ajay Kumar (trainee) were on a welding job at the time of the incident. They were cutting nuts of the tank when the blast took place.

Walia said all precautionary measures were taken before starting the welding work on the tank. The inquiry would ascertain the reason behind the blast.

This was not the first time when a mishap occurred due to leakage in some tank. Last year on May 9, a pipe of the gas line burst, resulting in the leakage of chlorine gas. Following this many local residents complained of breathing problem and were rushed to hospitals. On May 12, the service of Chief General Manager JS Talwar was terminated by the state government.