Chennai, 28 April (H.S.):A 26-year-old migrant worker from Odisha lost his life and four others were left in critical condition after allegedly inhaling toxic gas while cleaning a water tank at a private factory near Gummidipoondi in Tamil Nadu’s Tiruvallur district on Tuesday.

The deceased has been identified as Dhananjay Malik, who was among a group of five workers engaged in maintenance work at a factory located in Thervoy Kandigai. According to preliminary information, the workers had entered the tank to carry out cleaning operations when they were suddenly overcome by toxic fumes.

Sources said Dhananjay Malik collapsed inside the tank after being exposed to the gas. In a bid to rescue him, four co-workers entered the confined space one after another, but they too lost consciousness due to the hazardous environment, raising concerns about the absence of adequate safety precautions.

Fire and Rescue Services personnel, along with local police, rushed to the spot upon receiving information about the incident. Equipped with safety gear, rescue teams managed to pull all five workers out of the tank. However, Dhananjay Malik was declared dead at the scene.

The four other workers were immediately shifted to the Tiruvallur Government Hospital, where they are currently undergoing treatment. Hospital sources indicated that their condition remains critical.

Police have registered a case and initiated an investigation to determine whether standard safety protocols were followed before the workers were sent into the tank. Officials are also examining if the factory management ensured the use of protective equipment and proper ventilation measures.

The incident has once again highlighted the dangers faced by industrial workers, particularly in confined spaces, and raised serious questions about workplace safety compliance. Further investigation is underway.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman