Agartala, Dec 17: An industrial disaster struck ABC Brick Industry in Dhalai district on Wednesday morning when a newly lit brick kiln chimney collapsed within moments of ignition, burying workers and claiming five lives while leaving three others fighting for survival.
The incident took place at the brick kiln located at Aparashkar area in Halahali under Kamalpur sub-division on December 17. According to sources, the workers were conducting Brahma puja and related ceremonial rituals before lighting the kiln as per tradition. The chimney collapsed immediately after being lit, trapping workers beneath tons of bricks and debris.
The deceased have been identified as Subal Debnath (55), Pinku Shil (37), Anil Gautam (49), Sajal Malakar, and Bidhu Bhushan Sharma (45). It is learned that two of the deceased were local residents while one hailed from Jharkhand. Reportedly, two worker died at the hospital after being rescued in critical condition.
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Meanwhile, three workers sustained critical injuries in the incident. They have been identified as Santosh Gupta (28), Harkis Chauhan (50), and Harkis Saroj (40). The injured workers, all from outside the state, were initially treated at Bimal Singha Memorial Hospital in Kamalpur before being referred to GB Pant Hospital in Agartala for advanced medical care due to their critical condition.
Local residents immediately rushed to assist in rescue operations. The victims were eventually extracted from beneath the collapsed chimney using excavators. Fire service personnel arrived at the scene with fire engines and ambulances to transport the casualties to hospital.
District Police Superintendent Mihir Lal Das rushed to Kamalpur Hospital and subsequently visited the incident site. According to the police, an investigation into the incident is underway. However, locals have alleged that some negligence or defect led to the tragedy and demanded a thorough investigation. Meanwhile, local MLA Manoj Kanti Deb visited the hospital first and later went to the accident site.
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However, Chief Minister Prof. (Dr.) Manik Saha expressed grief over the incident on social media and extended condolences to the bereaved families. “SDRF and police teams are on the spot, carrying out rescue and relief operations. My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families, and I wish a speedy recovery to those injured,” he stated. The brick kiln is owned by Souvik Pal, managed by Shankar Kanti Deb.