Toxic fumes kill five workers in Korangi factory

Workers fainted after descending down the underground chemical tank


Our Correspondent May 16, 2016
The factory workers were cleaning the water tank when the incident occurred, eye witnesses said. PHOTO: RASHID AJMERI/EXPRESS

KOHAT/ KARACHI: Five labourers died after inhaling toxic fumes while cleaning the underground chemical tank of a factory without gas masks in Karachi on Sunday.

The incident occurred at Maxen Plastic manufacturing factory in the Korangi Industrial Area.

“It was a chemical tank. The ‘boss’ ordered us to clean the tank on Sunday,” said Muhammad Fayyaz, one of the survivors. “At least nine labourers were called in for cleaning the tank. Initially, three workers descended down the underground tank, but they soon fainted. Then another team tried to rescue them, but they fared no better and fainted too.”

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Six workers, including two factory employees fell unconscious. They were immediately rushed to the Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre (JPMC) but five of them died on the way to the hospital, while Fayyaz survived.

Later, family members of the deceased staged a demonstration in protest against the incident, demanding the arrest of the factory owner.

“The factory owner is responsible for the deaths because he made no arrangements for their safety,” said Abdul Sattar, father of one of the victims, Mairaj.

The incident occurred at about 11:45am within the 600-square-yard factory which was built a decade ago. The underground chemical tank measures 8x8 feet.

An extra contingent of law enforcers, including Rangers and police, arrived at the site of the incident and initiated investigations.

Police have registered an FIR No462/16 under Section 322 (unintended murder) of the Pakistan Penal Code on behalf of Abdul Kalam, father of one of the victims, Abdul Rahim.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 16th, 2016.

COMMENTS (2)

Andrew (Andy) Alcock | 7 years ago | Reply It has to be said that this is an example of industrial manslaughter. The management who sent these workers to clean a chemical tank without ensuring that they had an effective fume extraction system displayed absolute criminal negligence. Those responsible for this heinous crime should be imprisoned for long periods of time and the company should receive extremely heavy fines and be forced to pay very generous compensation to the families of the victims.. This is supposed to be the 21st century and those who own industries cannot just assume that their employees are expendable items. managers do not have the right of life and death over the workers who provide with their profits. Workers have basic human rights to return home fit and well after a day's work and to enjoy a long and healthy retirement when their working lives are over. There should be OH&S laws in place that allow elected Health & Safety Representatives (H&SRs) the right to stop dangerous work when the relevant OH&S equipment to do the job safely is not available. There should also be inspectors who have the legal right to stop the use of dangerous machinery and chemicals unless the best and most effective OH&S equipment and systems are in place.
raw is war | 7 years ago | Reply It's a shame. No person should be allowed in such close areas. Their engineer should have devices which can clean from outside. Simple and cost effective solution are available.
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