A deadly chemical leak at a manufacturing unit in Karnataka's Kadechur-Badal Industrial Area has claimed the lives of at least three workers, while two others were injured. Authorities said the victims died after inhaling sulfur oxide, and FIRs have been registered against the factory owners.

Meanwhile, the Telangana High Court has issued notices in a petition challenging the Yadagirigutta Temple Board of Trustees. The court has also directed the state government to place all relevant records and explanations on the long-pending minimum wages revision before the next hearing on August 20.

Karnataka Chemical Leak Kills 3 | Telangana HC Issues Notices | Kerala PSC Protest Turns Tense

A deadly coal mine explosion in Pakistan's Balochistan province has claimed at least 34 lives, with rescue teams continuing efforts to locate workers who remain trapped beneath the debris. Authorities believe a methane gas explosion triggered the collapse at the mine near the provincial capital, leading to one of the deadliest mining disasters in the region in recent years. Rescue operations have continued through the night, while officials warn that the death toll could rise further.

Pakistan Coal Mine Explosion Kills 34 | Rescue Teams Race to Find Trapped Miners

Panic struck thousands of residents in a Chennai neighbourhood late Tuesday (Dec 26) after an ammonia gas leakage was detected from an underwater pipeline.

The residents rushed out on the streets and complained of difficulty in breathing, eyes getting cold and burning of face in the Ennore area of Periyakuppam.

The Hindu reported that several residents were taken to hospital, while teams from police and fire services were deployed on the site. The leak was immediately detected and stopped by the authorities.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | Tamil Nadu | Ammonia gas leak detected in a sub-sea pipe in Ennore. This was noticed and stopped. The production head says the leak caused a strong smell and five people felt uneasy and were shifted to a health facility. They are fine now: Officials <a href="https://t.co/bhCE0vjWSF">pic.twitter.com/bhCE0vjWSF</a>
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“Around 3000-4000 people were on the roads last night. We reassured them and told them it was ammonia and the leak was contained after which the panic-like situation was diffused,” Joint Commissioner of Police, Avadi, Vijayakumar, was quoted as saying by the Hindu.&nbsp;

He also added that 14 people were taken to the hospital while some media reports said at least 30 people were receiving medical attention.

Residents said they could not pass via the beach road last night where the pipeline is located as the leakage was so overwhelming.

Watch:&nbsp;Indian Coast Guard battles oil spill in Chennai

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“Many of us had severe burning in the face and nose and were unable to breathe. I couldn’t stand with five masks. We moved to sleeping in temples and even the roads since we could not sleep inside our houses. Fish have died in the water and are floating near the leak spot in the water,” a resident of the area was quoted as saying by the Hindu.

<h2>How did the authorities respond?</h2>

Environment Secretary Supriya Sahu of Tamil Nadu state said that she received the first report of leakage at 12:45 am IST (Dec 27).&nbsp;

The leakage occurred in a pipeline carrying ammonia to an industrial unit and took place during the pre-cooling operation of the pipeline.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/cyclonic-events-in-indian-ocean-throw-rare-venomous-creatures-off-chennai-coast-671945">Also read:&nbsp;Cyclonic events in Indian Ocean throw Blue Sea Dragon, Blue Button off Chennai coast</a>

Officials are believed to have reached the incident site at 2:15 am and performed an inspection. According to their observation, the affected unit experienced a pressure drop in the pipeline at around 11:45 pm, after which a pungent odour enveloped the entire area.

The unit responded by immediately shutting down the pipeline and diverting the ammonia vapour to the flare.

This operation was completed within 20 minutes.

<h2>Fish community angered</h2>

The incident has attracted sharp criticism from the fishing community, which has reiterated its demand to declare Ennore an area affected by industrial accidents.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | Tiruvallur, Tamil Nadu: People hold protest after Ammonia gas leak was detected in a sub-sea pipe in Ennore. 
 
According to DIG, Joint Commissioner Avadi, Vijayakumar, there are no more gas (ammonia) leaks at Ennore. People are back home. Medical and police teams are… <a href="https://t.co/APYymkgY6X">pic.twitter.com/APYymkgY6X</a>
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They also urged the authorities to take action against the companies responsible for the leakage, along with demanding compensation for themselves.

(With inputs from agencies)

Panic struck thousands of residents in a Chennai neighbourhood late Tuesday (Dec 26) after an ammonia gas leakage was detected from an underwater pipeline. The residents rushed out on the streets and complained of difficulty in breathing, eyes getting cold and burning of face in the Ennore area of Periyakuppam.

Panic struck thousands of residents in a Chennai neighbourhood late Tuesday (Dec 26) after an ammonia gas leakage was detected from an underwater pipeline. The residents rushed out on the streets and complained of difficulty in breathing, eyes getting cold and burning of face in the Ennore area of Periyakuppam. The Hindu reported that several residents were taken to hospital, while teams from police and fire services were deployed on the site. The leak was immediately detected and stopped by the authorities. #WATCH | Tamil Nadu | Ammonia gas leak detected in a sub-sea pipe in Ennore. This was noticed and stopped. The production head says the leak caused a strong smell and five people felt uneasy and were shifted to a health facility. They are fine now: Officials pic.twitter.com/bhCE0vjWSF — ANI (@ANI) December 27, 2023 × “Around 3000-4000 people were on the roads last night. We reassured them and told them it was ammonia and the leak was contained after which the panic-like situation was diffused,” Joint Commissioner of Police, Avadi, Vijayakumar, was quoted as saying by the Hindu. He also added that 14 people were taken to the hospital while some media reports said at least 30 people were receiving medical attention. Residents said they could not pass via the beach road last night where the pipeline is located as the leakage was so overwhelming. Watch: Indian Coast Guard battles oil spill in Chennai × “Many of us had severe burning in the face and nose and were unable to breathe. I couldn’t stand with five masks. We moved to sleeping in temples and even the roads since we could not sleep inside our houses. Fish have died in the water and are floating near the leak spot in the water,” a resident of the area was quoted as saying by the Hindu. How did the authorities respond? Environment Secretary Supriya Sahu of Tamil Nadu state said that she received the first report of leakage at 12:45 am IST (Dec 27). The leakage occurred in a pipeline carrying ammonia to an industrial unit and took place during the pre-cooling operation of the pipeline. Also read: Cyclonic events in Indian Ocean throw Blue Sea Dragon, Blue Button off Chennai coast Officials are believed to have reached the incident site at 2:15 am and performed an inspection. According to their observation, the affected unit experienced a pressure drop in the pipeline at around 11:45 pm, after which a pungent odour enveloped the entire area. The unit responded by immediately shutting down the pipeline and diverting the ammonia vapour to the flare. This operation was completed within 20 minutes. Fish community angered The incident has attracted sharp criticism from the fishing community, which has reiterated its demand to declare Ennore an area affected by industrial accidents. #WATCH | Tiruvallur, Tamil Nadu: People hold protest after Ammonia gas leak was detected in a sub-sea pipe in Ennore. According to DIG, Joint Commissioner Avadi, Vijayakumar, there are no more gas (ammonia) leaks at Ennore. People are back home. Medical and police teams are… pic.twitter.com/APYymkgY6X — ANI (@ANI) December 27, 2023 × They also urged the authorities to take action against the companies responsible for the leakage, along with demanding compensation for themselves. (With inputs from agencies)

Chennai ammonia leakage: Dozens in hospital following industrial accident in Indian city

At least 26 people have been killed and 38&nbsp;others injured&nbsp;after a massive fire broke out at a coal company’s office building in China’s northern Shanxi province, state media reported on Thursday (Nov 16). In a later update, the state broadcaster CCTV reported that the fire has since been “brought under control”.&nbsp;

<h2>What happened?</h2>

The fire broke out at around 6:50 am (local time) in a four-storey building belonging to the Yongju coal company in Luliang City located in the country’s top coal-producing hub of Shanxi, said Chinese media citing local officials.&nbsp;

CCTV initially reported the fire killed 11 people but later raised the death toll to 26. The Chinese broadcaster also reported that 63 people had been evacuated, 51 of whom were hospitalised.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-calls-xi-dictator-after-us-china-strategic-meet-before-on-the-sidelines-of-apec-summit-659161">Biden calls Xi 'dictator' right after 'constructive' US-China strategic meet on the sidelines of APEC summit</a>

“Rescue work is still in progress and the cause of the fire is under investigation,” reported CCTV.&nbsp;&nbsp;

A report by AFP citing video footage posted on the Chinese social media platform Weibo said bright flames and thick black smoke were seen billowing from the building, while dozens of people stood in the parking lot watching.&nbsp;

Emergency response personnel could be seen in the footage racing to put on protective gear outside a fire truck parked at the building’s entrance, reported the news agency citing the footage.&nbsp;

<h2>Deadly fires in China</h2>

The recent fire also comes months after 29 people were killed after a blaze ripped through a hospital in the capital city of Beijing. The incident garnered criticism from the public for local authorities on social media sites.

Chinese President Xi Jinping, who is in the midst of a&nbsp;visit&nbsp;to the United States, urged the authorities to ensure that more safety measures are put in place to avoid such incidents, reported&nbsp;state-run Xinhua news agency.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-at-least-21-killed-after-fire-in-beijing-hospital-583764">At least 21 killed, over 70 evacuated after fire in Beijing hospital: Reports</a>

However, industrial accidents are common in China due to lax safety standards and poor enforcement. In July, 11 people died after the roof of a school gym collapsed in the country’s northeast.

The month before, at least 31 people were killed after an explosion at a barbecue restaurant in northwestern China prompting a nationwide campaign to promote workplace safety.&nbsp;

One of the worst such accidents took place in 2015 in the Chinese city of Tianjin where an explosion at a chemical warehouse killed at least 165 people.

(With inputs from agencies)

At least 26 people have been killed and 38 others injured after a massive fire broke out at a coal company’s office building in China’s northern Shanxi province, state media reported on Thursday (Nov 16).

At least 26 people have been killed and 38 others injured after a massive fire broke out at a coal company’s office building in China’s northern Shanxi province, state media reported on Thursday (Nov 16). In a later update, the state broadcaster CCTV reported that the fire has since been “brought under control”. What happened? The fire broke out at around 6:50 am (local time) in a four-storey building belonging to the Yongju coal company in Luliang City located in the country’s top coal-producing hub of Shanxi, said Chinese media citing local officials. CCTV initially reported the fire killed 11 people but later raised the death toll to 26. The Chinese broadcaster also reported that 63 people had been evacuated, 51 of whom were hospitalised. ALSO READ | Biden calls Xi 'dictator' right after 'constructive' US-China strategic meet on the sidelines of APEC summit “Rescue work is still in progress and the cause of the fire is under investigation,” reported CCTV. A report by AFP citing video footage posted on the Chinese social media platform Weibo said bright flames and thick black smoke were seen billowing from the building, while dozens of people stood in the parking lot watching. Emergency response personnel could be seen in the footage racing to put on protective gear outside a fire truck parked at the building’s entrance, reported the news agency citing the footage. Deadly fires in China The recent fire also comes months after 29 people were killed after a blaze ripped through a hospital in the capital city of Beijing. The incident garnered criticism from the public for local authorities on social media sites. Chinese President Xi Jinping, who is in the midst of a visit to the United States, urged the authorities to ensure that more safety measures are put in place to avoid such incidents, reported state-run Xinhua news agency. ALSO READ | At least 21 killed, over 70 evacuated after fire in Beijing hospital: Reports However, industrial accidents are common in China due to lax safety standards and poor enforcement. In July, 11 people died after the roof of a school gym collapsed in the country’s northeast. The month before, at least 31 people were killed after an explosion at a barbecue restaurant in northwestern China prompting a nationwide campaign to promote workplace safety. One of the worst such accidents took place in 2015 in the Chinese city of Tianjin where an explosion at a chemical warehouse killed at least 165 people. (With inputs from agencies)

China: At least 26 people killed, dozens injured after fire in coal mining firm's office

Chinese police have detained eight suspects over a gas blast that killed 25 people and reduced several buildings to rubble in the central city of Shiyan, authorities said Friday.

Over a hundred people were injured in the explosion, which struck a busy two-storey building packed with shoppers and people eating breakfast in the Hubei province city on Sunday morning.&nbsp;

Eight suspects, including the general manager of the company that owned the gas pipe, have been detained, according to the Shiyan government.

Authorities found that "the company's safety management system was unsound" and "there were serious defects in the operation of relevant equipment," the government's statement said.

The blast occurred in a building that had previously housed a vehicle frame manufacturer, and several survivors told local media that the gas pipeline had fallen into disrepair after the factory was moved last year.

Around 900 residents in surrounding buildings were evacuated following the blast, which littered the area with debris and saw rescuers carrying shocked survivors out on stretchers.

Industrial accidents are common in&nbsp;China&nbsp;due to weak safety standards and corruption among officials tasked with enforcing them.

Sunday's blast prompted a rare statement from Chinese President Xi Jinping urging local officials to "learn profound lessons from the incident".

Shiyan's government said its investigation was still in progress and that "the relevant organizations and individuals would be held accountable."

Chinese police have detained eight suspects over a gas blast that killed 25 people and reduced several buildings to rubble in the central city of Shiyan, authorities said Friday.

Chinese police have detained eight suspects over a gas blast that killed 25 people and reduced several buildings to rubble in the central city of Shiyan, authorities said Friday. Over a hundred people were injured in the explosion, which struck a busy two-storey building packed with shoppers and people eating breakfast in the Hubei province city on Sunday morning. Eight suspects, including the general manager of the company that owned the gas pipe, have been detained, according to the Shiyan government. Authorities found that "the company's safety management system was unsound" and "there were serious defects in the operation of relevant equipment," the government's statement said. The blast occurred in a building that had previously housed a vehicle frame manufacturer, and several survivors told local media that the gas pipeline had fallen into disrepair after the factory was moved last year. Around 900 residents in surrounding buildings were evacuated following the blast, which littered the area with debris and saw rescuers carrying shocked survivors out on stretchers. Industrial accidents are common in China due to weak safety standards and corruption among officials tasked with enforcing them. Sunday's blast prompted a rare statement from Chinese President Xi Jinping urging local officials to "learn profound lessons from the incident". Shiyan's government said its investigation was still in progress and that "the relevant organizations and individuals would be held accountable."

Eight detained over deadly China gas blast

The 1984<a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.wionews.com/videos/bhopal-gas-tragedy-survivor-recalls-deadly-night-of-1984-181233&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwj6yajfnN7hAhWD7XMBHd9QDaYQFggEMAA&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw0etMfj4aUZqsuMiHCVal_B"> Bhopal gas tragedy which killed thousands of people</a> is among the world's "major industrial accidents" of the 20th century, a UN report has said, warning that 2.78 million workers die from occupational accidents and work-related diseases each year.

The report released by the UN labour agency International Labour Organization (ILO) said in 1984, at least 30 tons of methyl isocyanate gas, which was released from the Union Carbide pesticide plant in the Madhya Pradesh capital, <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bhopal-gas-tragedy-34-years-after-incident-survivors-continue-to-fight-for-proper-rehabilitation-181022&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwj6yajfnN7hAhWD7XMBHd9QDaYQFggHMAE&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw1Ih3TY4m_vvtElvGptMXUT">affected more than 600,000 workers and nearby inhabitants</a>.

"The Government figures estimate that there have been 15,000 deaths as a result of the disaster over the years. Toxic material remains and thousands of survivors and their descendants have suffered from respiratory diseases and from damage to internal organs and immune systems," it said.

The report titled 'The Safety and Health at the Heart of the Future of Work - Building on 100 years of experience' said the Bhopal disaster was among the world's "major industrial accidents after 1919".

Among the other nine major industrial disasters after 1919 listed in the report are the Chernobyl and Fukushima nuclear disasters as well as the Rana Plaza building collapse.

In the Chernobyl disaster in April 1986, one of four nuclear reactors at the Chernobyl power station in Ukraine exploded, releasing at least 100 times more radiation than the atom bombs dropped on Nagasaki and Hiroshima.

The explosion killed 31 people immediately and thousands of people in the aftermath.

"The number of casualties in the region increases every year due to long term effects including a sharp increase in thyroid cancer," the report said.

Following a major 9.0 magnitude earthquake and tsunami which struck north-eastern Japan in March 2011, the Fukushima nuclear power plants experienced equipment failures which caused a series of explosions, fires and radiation releases, causing injuries to plant workers and emergency responders, it said.

In one of the worst industrial disasters in Bangladesh, the Rana Plaza building in Dhaka collapsed in April 2013. The building, which housed five garment factories, killed at least 1,132 people and injured more than 2,500.

According to recent estimates released by the ILO, each year 2.78 million workers die from occupational accidents and work-related diseases (of which 2.4 million are disease-related).

An additional 374 million workers suffer from non-fatal occupational accidents. It is estimated that lost work days globally represent almost four per cent of the world's GDP, and in some countries, this rises to six per cent or more.

The report attributes stress, excessively-long working hours and disease to worker casualty every year, underlining ILO's message that no paid work should threaten a worker's wellbeing, safety or life.

The agency also identified several new or existing occupational risks of growing concern, that affect women more than men.

These include modern working practices overall, world population growth, increased digital connectivity and climate change, which are believed to account for losses of almost four per cent of the global economy.

"The world of work has changed, we're working differently, we're working longer hours, we're using more technology," ILO's Manal Azzi told UN News.

"The report says 36 per cent of workers are working excessive long hours, meaning more than 48 hours per week," she said.

Noting that "people are increasingly asked to produce more and more, they have no time to rest," Azzi highlighted that women are particularly at risk because they tend to be the primary carer for children or parents and lack the time to exercise.

"Not only do you work when you're at your office but then you're working at home as well," Azzi said, adding that "so it's a lot of sedentary work and that affects cardiovascular diseases as well".

The greatest proportion of work-related deaths&nbsp;86 per cent&nbsp;come from disease, according to the ILO, with some 6,500 people a day dying from occupational diseases, compared to 1,000 from fatal occupational accidents.

The greatest causes of mortality are circulatory diseases (31 per cent), work-related cancers (26 per cent) and respiratory diseases (17 per cent).

"As well as the economic cost we must recognise the immeasurable human suffering such illnesses and accidents cause. These are all-the-more tragic because they are largely preventable," Azzi said.

Launched during the ILO's centenary year&nbsp;and ahead of the World Day for Safety and Health at Work on April 28, the report underlines the life-saving value of promoting prevention, to save lives and encourage healthy working environments.

"Serious consideration should also be given to the recommendation of the ILO's Global Commission on the Future of Work, that occupational safety and health be recognised as a fundamental principle and right at work," Azzi said.

The report said that new risks may emerge whereas other risks may be on the rise.

"While the road ahead presents many new challenges to safety and health at work, it is important for governments, employers and workers, and other stakeholders to seize the opportunities to create a safe and healthy future of work for all," it said.

Since 1919, the ILO has adopted more than 40 international labour standards promoting occupational health and safety.

The 1984 Bhopal gas tragedy which killed thousands of people is among the world's "major industrial accidents" of the 20th century, a UN report has said, warning that 2.

The 1984 Bhopal gas tragedy which killed thousands of people is among the world's "major industrial accidents" of the 20th century, a UN report has said, warning that 2.78 million workers die from occupational accidents and work-related diseases each year. The report released by the UN labour agency International Labour Organization (ILO) said in 1984, at least 30 tons of methyl isocyanate gas, which was released from the Union Carbide pesticide plant in the Madhya Pradesh capital, affected more than 600,000 workers and nearby inhabitants. "The Government figures estimate that there have been 15,000 deaths as a result of the disaster over the years. Toxic material remains and thousands of survivors and their descendants have suffered from respiratory diseases and from damage to internal organs and immune systems," it said. The report titled 'The Safety and Health at the Heart of the Future of Work - Building on 100 years of experience' said the Bhopal disaster was among the world's "major industrial accidents after 1919". Among the other nine major industrial disasters after 1919 listed in the report are the Chernobyl and Fukushima nuclear disasters as well as the Rana Plaza building collapse. In the Chernobyl disaster in April 1986, one of four nuclear reactors at the Chernobyl power station in Ukraine exploded, releasing at least 100 times more radiation than the atom bombs dropped on Nagasaki and Hiroshima. The explosion killed 31 people immediately and thousands of people in the aftermath. "The number of casualties in the region increases every year due to long term effects including a sharp increase in thyroid cancer," the report said. Following a major 9.0 magnitude earthquake and tsunami which struck north-eastern Japan in March 2011, the Fukushima nuclear power plants experienced equipment failures which caused a series of explosions, fires and radiation releases, causing injuries to plant workers and emergency responders, it said. In one of the worst industrial disasters in Bangladesh, the Rana Plaza building in Dhaka collapsed in April 2013. The building, which housed five garment factories, killed at least 1,132 people and injured more than 2,500. According to recent estimates released by the ILO, each year 2.78 million workers die from occupational accidents and work-related diseases (of which 2.4 million are disease-related). An additional 374 million workers suffer from non-fatal occupational accidents. It is estimated that lost work days globally represent almost four per cent of the world's GDP, and in some countries, this rises to six per cent or more. The report attributes stress, excessively-long working hours and disease to worker casualty every year, underlining ILO's message that no paid work should threaten a worker's wellbeing, safety or life. The agency also identified several new or existing occupational risks of growing concern, that affect women more than men. These include modern working practices overall, world population growth, increased digital connectivity and climate change, which are believed to account for losses of almost four per cent of the global economy. "The world of work has changed, we're working differently, we're working longer hours, we're using more technology," ILO's Manal Azzi told UN News. "The report says 36 per cent of workers are working excessive long hours, meaning more than 48 hours per week," she said. Noting that "people are increasingly asked to produce more and more, they have no time to rest," Azzi highlighted that women are particularly at risk because they tend to be the primary carer for children or parents and lack the time to exercise. "Not only do you work when you're at your office but then you're working at home as well," Azzi said, adding that "so it's a lot of sedentary work and that affects cardiovascular diseases as well". The greatest proportion of work-related deaths 86 per cent come from disease, according to the ILO, with some 6,500 people a day dying from occupational diseases, compared to 1,000 from fatal occupational accidents. The greatest causes of mortality are circulatory diseases (31 per cent), work-related cancers (26 per cent) and respiratory diseases (17 per cent). "As well as the economic cost we must recognise the immeasurable human suffering such illnesses and accidents cause. These are all-the-more tragic because they are largely preventable," Azzi said. Launched during the ILO's centenary year and ahead of the World Day for Safety and Health at Work on April 28, the report underlines the life-saving value of promoting prevention, to save lives and encourage healthy working environments. "Serious consideration should also be given to the recommendation of the ILO's Global Commission on the Future of Work, that occupational safety and health be recognised as a fundamental principle and right at work," Azzi said. The report said that new risks may emerge whereas other risks may be on the rise. "While the road ahead presents many new challenges to safety and health at work, it is important for governments, employers and workers, and other stakeholders to seize the opportunities to create a safe and healthy future of work for all," it said. Since 1919, the ILO has adopted more than 40 international labour standards promoting occupational health and safety.

Bhopal gas tragedy among world's 'major industrial accidents' of 20th century: UN report

The fire at a food and cigarette packaging factory in Bangladesh that killed at least 26 people has been extinguished, but heavy smoke and the risk of the building collapsing further were hampering the search of the premises, officials said on Sunday. 
 
Saturday&#39;s blaze was the country&#39;s worst industrial accident since the Rana Plaza building collapse of 2013 that killed 1,135 garment sector workers, and raises further questions about Bangladesh&#39;s safety record. 
 
&quot;The building is hot and it is not possible to enter,&quot; said Ajit Kumar Bhoumik, a senior official with the fire department, early on Sunday. &quot;Also there are huge cracks in the building, so it is very risky to enter without precautionary measures.&quot; 
 
He said that the death toll from the blaze had risen to 26. Some fear it could increase further once search efforts begin. 
 
The cause of the fire in the Tongi industrial zone about 20 km (12 miles) north of the capital, Dhaka, was not immediately known, but officials said a boiler explosion probably triggered it. The blaze broke out as workers prepared to swap shifts in the early hours of Saturday morning. 
 
Mikail Shipar, government secretary with the ministry of labour and employment, told Reuters the government was now going to investigate safety at all of the hundreds of factories in the Tongi industrial zone. 
 
&quot;We checked the design of this factory and initially it is our understanding that it was a one floor building and later the floor had been raised, similar to case of Rana Plaza,&quot; he said. 
 
Shipar added that an investigation would be carried out and if anyone was found guilty of negligence, action would be taken. 
 
&quot;I have already been asked to formulate a project to inspect all the factories in all four industrial zones in the country,&quot; he said. The location of the boiler in the building was also being scrutinised. 
 
The fire is the latest in a series of industrial accidents in the South Asian country, which is the world&#39;s second biggest garment exporter behind China. 
 
The Rana Plaza disaster sparked demands for greater safety in the country and put the onus on foreign companies sourcing clothing from Bangladesh to act. The disaster led to the creation of two international coalitions designed to help fund improvements to building and fire safety at thousands of garment factories across Bangladesh. 
 
One official on Saturday said that the government&#39;s focus so far had been mainly on garment factories, and less so on other industries, but that was now likely to change. 
 
The blaze at Tampaco Foils caused the partial collapse of the factory building, which packages various items, including food and cigarettes, for several local companies and global brands such as British American Tobacco and Nestle. 
 
(Reuters)

Heavy smoke and the risk of the building collapsing further were hindering the search of the premises, officials said

The fire at a food and cigarette packaging factory in Bangladesh that killed at least 26 people has been extinguished, but heavy smoke and the risk of the building collapsing further were hampering the search of the premises, officials said on Sunday. Saturday's blaze was the country's worst industrial accident since the Rana Plaza building collapse of 2013 that killed 1,135 garment sector workers, and raises further questions about Bangladesh's safety record. "The building is hot and it is not possible to enter," said Ajit Kumar Bhoumik, a senior official with the fire department, early on Sunday. "Also there are huge cracks in the building, so it is very risky to enter without precautionary measures." He said that the death toll from the blaze had risen to 26. Some fear it could increase further once search efforts begin. The cause of the fire in the Tongi industrial zone about 20 km (12 miles) north of the capital, Dhaka, was not immediately known, but officials said a boiler explosion probably triggered it. The blaze broke out as workers prepared to swap shifts in the early hours of Saturday morning. Mikail Shipar, government secretary with the ministry of labour and employment, told Reuters the government was now going to investigate safety at all of the hundreds of factories in the Tongi industrial zone. "We checked the design of this factory and initially it is our understanding that it was a one floor building and later the floor had been raised, similar to case of Rana Plaza," he said. Shipar added that an investigation would be carried out and if anyone was found guilty of negligence, action would be taken. "I have already been asked to formulate a project to inspect all the factories in all four industrial zones in the country," he said. The location of the boiler in the building was also being scrutinised. The fire is the latest in a series of industrial accidents in the South Asian country, which is the world's second biggest garment exporter behind China. The Rana Plaza disaster sparked demands for greater safety in the country and put the onus on foreign companies sourcing clothing from Bangladesh to act. The disaster led to the creation of two international coalitions designed to help fund improvements to building and fire safety at thousands of garment factories across Bangladesh. One official on Saturday said that the government's focus so far had been mainly on garment factories, and less so on other industries, but that was now likely to change. The blaze at Tampaco Foils caused the partial collapse of the factory building, which packages various items, including food and cigarettes, for several local companies and global brands such as British American Tobacco and Nestle. (Reuters)

Cracks in building hamper search after Bangladesh factory fire

industrial-accident

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