Unnecessary. Days after a massive explosion at an explosives manufacturing factory in Chhattisgarh’s Bemetara district, the district administration on Wednesday ordered the closure of production and related activities at the unit. One person was killed and at least seven people were injured in the explosion at ‘Special Blast Limited’ near Pirda village in Berla development block on May 25. Rescue workers have also found body parts in the debris. According to the district administration, eight employees are missing after the explosion. The body parts found in the debris have been sent for DNA testing for identification.
In the order issued by Bemetara Collector Ranbir Sharma on Wednesday, it is said, “There has been loss of life due to the explosion in the Special Blast Limited premises. Due to this incident, in view of public safety, production and other related activities in the factory premises are ordered to be closed till further orders. The factory manager will be responsible for the proper security of the explosive materials available in the factory.” Meanwhile, the district administration has issued orders for a magisterial inquiry as per the announcement of the state government.
According to the order issued on May 27, Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Pinky Manhar of Berla area of Bemetara district has been appointed as the investigation officer. The investigation includes points such as the cause of the explosion, investigation of safety measures taken by the factory management, details of license, storage and use and fixing responsibility if any fault or negligence is found in connection with the accident. The investigation officer will have to submit his report within 45 days. Officials said that after the magistrate investigation, an FIR will be registered for the incident.
The state government has ordered financial assistance of Rs 5 lakh to the families of the deceased and Rs 50,000 each to the injured. The collector had earlier said that the factory management has been directed to pay a compensation of Rs 10 lakh each to the families of the eight missing workers. He said that the compensation announced by the state government for the deceased will be given to the families of the missing workers after DNA testing of the body parts found in the debris.