3 Killed, 4 Critically Injured in Brick Kiln Mishap in Tripura; Police Begin Probe
At least three persons were killed and four others critically injured after a newly constructed chimney of a brick kiln collapsed in Tripura’s Dhalai district on Wednesday. Police have started an inquiry to ascertain the exact cause of the collapse.
The tragic incident occurred at ABC Brick Kiln in the Aperskar area under Kamalpur subdivision while preparations were underway to inaugurate the kiln. According to reports, rituals including Brahma Puja were being performed before lighting the furnace when the chimney suddenly gave way, trapping several workers under heaps of bricks and debris.
Heavy machinery was pressed into service to rescue the trapped labourers. Three workers died on the spot, while four others sustained serious injuries. Fire service personnel, SDRF teams and police rushed to the site and shifted the injured to Bimal Sinha Memorial (BSM) Hospital in Kamalpur. Due to their critical condition, some of the injured were later referred to Agartala Government Medical College and GBP Hospital, as well as Kulai District Hospital, for advanced treatment.
The deceased were identified as Subal Debnath (55) and Pinku Shil (37), both local residents, and Anil Gautam (49), a migrant worker from Jharkhand. The injured include Bidhu Sharma (45), Santosh Gupta (28), Harkis Chauhan (50) and Harkis Saroj (40), all migrant labourers from outside the state.
Chief Minister Dr Manik Saha expressed grief over the incident and extended condolences to the bereaved families, while wishing a speedy recovery to the injured. He said SDRF and police teams were immediately deployed for rescue and relief operations.
The brick kiln manager said the collapse occurred suddenly during the inauguration of the furnace, before the fire was set. Local MLA Manoj Kanti Deb visited the hospital and later inspected the accident site. Dhalai Superintendent of Police Mihirlal Das also reached the hospital and the spot to assess the situation.
Police officials said a detailed investigation has been initiated to determine whether structural flaws or safety lapses led to the collapse. The incident has sparked concern over safety practices at brick kilns across the state.
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