A contractor sustained severe burns after being scalded by molten iron at JD Steel Plant in the Borai-Rasmada industrial area of Durg. He succumbed to his injuries while undergoing treatment at JLN Hospital, Bhilai, later the same day. The police have booked the plant Director and one other for negligence following the preliminary investigation. Police sources informed that the deceased has been identified as Santosh Kumar Shrivastava (40), reportedly a native of Champaran in Bihar. According to information available, he had recently been awarded contract work at the plant. The incident reportedly occurred around 1 am on October 17, when Santosh Shrivastava went to the upper section of the plant to inspect a machine. During the inspection, a quantity of molten iron, reportedly at a temperature of around 1,500 to 1,600 degrees Celsius, suddenly spilled over in the area. He suffered extensive burn injuries in the mishap and was immediately shifted to JLN Hospital in Bhilai for treatment. Despite medical efforts, Santosh Shrivastava died at around 3.30 am the same day.

 

The police said that the video of the mishap purportedly showing the incident has also been circulating on social media. In the footage, Santosh Shrivastava apparently engulfed in flames can be seen rushing down a staircase in an apparent attempt to save himself, while people nearby appear to be trying to help him. SHO Anjora Police Post, Chandrashekhar Soni told the newspaper that the police have already registered an FIR against JD Steel Plant Director Ravi Kumar Goyal and one other for negligence. The police have registered the offence against the accused under BNS Sections 289, 106(1). He said that the preliminary investigation indicated alleged negligent conduct during operation of the plant, resulting in the fatal incident. The investigation is expected to establish the exact sequence of events leading to the spill and determine whether there were any lapses in safety or operational procedures.