A powerful explosion at a tyre recycling unit in Raigarh district has left eight people with severe burn injuries, including a nine-month-old infant, triggering serious concerns over industrial safety standards. As per the information received, the incident occurred at the Mangal Carbon plant located in the Chodha area under the Kharsia police station limits. According to sources, the blast took place during the tyre-melting process, when a sudden surge in pressure or technical malfunction caused a violent explosion inside the plant. Eyewitnesses said the impact was so intense that workers in the vicinity were engulfed by flames and scalding hot gases. Thick smoke filled the premises, leading to chaos as co-workers and nearby residents rushed to rescue the injured.

 

All the victims were first taken to the Kharsia Community Health Centre and later referred to the district hospital in Raigarh. Hospital authorities confirmed that several of the injured have sustained burns covering 70 to 80 per cent of their bodies and remain in critical condition. The infant, identified as Bhumi, has also suffered serious burn injuries and is under constant medical supervision. The injured include Indrajeet Khadiya; Saheb Ram (40), resident of Rajghatta, Raigarh; his son Shiv (28); Indravadh (19) of Rajghatta; Priya; Udasin of Kharsia; and Bhumi (9 months), daughter of Udasin. As per the preliminary findings, old tyres were being processed as part of a recycling operation when the explosion occurred.

 

The exact cause, however, is yet to be established and will be determined after a technical investigation. Following the incident, senior officials from the district administration and police reached the spot and sealed the plant premises. An inquiry has been initiated to verify whether mandatory safety protocols were in place and if negligence on the part of the plant management contributed to the accident. The incident has once again highlighted the risks faced by workers in hazardous industrial units and raised urgent questions about enforcement of safety regulations in such facilities.