Mungeli, Chhattisgarh: Over 18 hours after a devastating accident at the Kusum Steel Plant in Mungeli, the debris from the collapsed silo structure is yet to be cleared.

One worker has been confirmed dead, and three to four others are feared trapped under the rubble.

Rescue operations are ongoing but progress remains slow. What Happened? The accident occurred when the chimney-like silo tank, used for heating dust, suddenly collapsed.

Workers on site were unable to escape, and some became trapped under the hot ash stored in the tank. The deceased worker has been identified as Manoj Ghritlahare.

The tank's collapse is believed to be caused by overloading, with the structure bearing an estimated weight of 120 tons (80 tons of the tank and 40 tons of ash).

Rescue Efforts Underway

Efforts to remove the debris have involved heavy machinery, including three cranes, three hydra machines, and four JCBs, along with a 100-member rescue team.

A high-capacity crane has also been brought in from Bhilai to assist in lifting the silo tank. Local authorities, including Mungeli Collector Rahul Dev, District Panchayat CEO Prabhakar Pandey, and SP Bhojram Patel, are overseeing the rescue operation at the site.

Despite these efforts, the sheer weight and complexity of the debris have delayed the clearance, and the status of the trapped workers remains uncertain.

The silo tank, installed just 20 days ago, collapsed due to what is suspected to be a fault in its installation. The tank’s overloading also contributed to the accident. Initial investigations suggest lapses in safety and engineering standards during the installation process.

The Kusum Smelter Plant, located in Rambod, has been operational for three years and is directed by Aditya Agarwal.

The incident has raised questions about safety protocols and oversight in industrial installations. With the debris still uncleared and workers potentially fighting for survival under it, the focus remains on swift action to complete the rescue operation and investigate the cause of the tragedy.

The authorities have assured a detailed inquiry into the accident to determine responsibility and prevent such incidents in the future.