Three workers died after allegedly inhaling toxic gas while cleaning a sludge tank at a textile factory in the industrial area of Balotra in Rajasthan on Friday, officials said, in yet another incident highlighting the dangers faced by workers engaged in hazardous cleaning operations.
The victims were identified as Gumanaram (25), Vishambhar Tiwari (54) and Shravan (32), all residents of the locality.
According to officials, the three workers had entered the sludge tank to clean it when they allegedly lost consciousness after inhaling poisonous fumes.
Other workers present at the factory alerted the owner and rushed to rescue them. The victims were pulled out of the tank and taken to a government hospital, where doctors declared them dead, officials said.
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“The workers appear to have died due to toxic gas. They were sent into the tank without safety equipment,” said Ashok Kumar.
Authorities said the families of the deceased workers have been informed and further investigation into the circumstances of the incident is underway.
Balotra, a major textile hub in western Rajasthan known for its dyeing and processing units, has a large number of industrial tanks used for storing sludge and chemical waste generated during textile production. Cleaning such tanks without adequate safety measures can expose workers to hazardous gases and fumes.
Safety experts have repeatedly emphasised the need for strict adherence to industrial safety protocols, including the use of protective gear, proper ventilation and monitoring of gas levels before workers enter confined spaces.
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