RAMANAGARA
A devastating accident at the waste-to-energy plant in Bidadi in Ramanagara district , has claimed the lives of four workers, with three succumbing to their injuries on Wednesday night and Thursday. Amalesh (31), Lakhan (28), and Tarun Kumar (24) died while undergoing treatment at Victoria Hospital in Bengaluru, joining Umesh Kumar Singh (34), who passed away on January 7.
The workers suffered severe burns when hot ash and half-burnt garbage exploded from a pipe, falling on them. Despite receiving treatment, their health deteriorated, and they were unable to respond to medical care.
Energy Minister KJ George visited the plant on January 7, ordering an investigation into the incident. He promised to take action against those responsible and provide compensation to the families of the deceased, as well as bear the medical expenses of the injured.
The plant, built in collaboration with Karnataka Power Corporation (KPCL) and Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP), was operating on a trial basis. The accident occurred when garbage caught fire and became stuck in the ash pipe, causing a massive explosion of hot ash and partially burnt garbage when workers attempted to clear the blockage.
A case has been registered against five officials responsible for managing the plant at the Bidadi police station. The incident highlights concerns about worker safety and the need for stricter regulations in industrial settings.