Three Workers Killed in Balotra Textile Factory Sludge Tank Accident
Three workers die in Balotra after inhaling suspected toxic gases while cleaning sludge tank at textile factory.
A tragic industrial accident claimed the lives of three workers on Friday at a private textile factory in the RIICO industrial area of Balotra, Rajasthan, sparking grief and unrest outside the district hospital. The workers died while performing cleaning operations in a sludge tank, authorities said.
The incident occurred at a factory located in Phase III of the Rajasthan State Industrial Development and Investment Corporation (RIICO) industrial area. According to preliminary reports, three workers entered the tank to carry out routine cleaning when their health rapidly deteriorated, prompting co-workers to pull them out immediately. Officials suspect the men inhaled toxic gases trapped inside the tank, leading to loss of consciousness.
The workers—identified as Gumanaram (30), Shravan (25), and Vishambhar (54)—were taken to Nahata District Hospital, where doctors declared them dead after examination. News of the deaths spread quickly, drawing a large number of family members and locals to the hospital, creating a tense atmosphere outside the facility. Some relatives reportedly blocked the road near the hospital mortuary, demanding answers.
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Senior administrative and police officials, including the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) and Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), rushed to the hospital to manage the situation and gather details about the accident. The bodies were shifted to the mortuary for post-mortem examination, and an official investigation has been launched to determine the cause of death and assess safety protocols at the factory.
Initial findings indicate the workers may have suffocated due to toxic gases inside the tank. Authorities are also examining whether appropriate safety measures and equipment were in place during the cleaning operation. The incident highlights ongoing concerns about industrial safety practices in factories across the region, particularly in chemical- and textile-processing units.
This accident marks one of several recent industrial mishaps in Rajasthan, drawing renewed attention to workplace safety regulations and the enforcement of labor protections. Officials have urged factory owners to review safety procedures to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
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