A migrant laborer from Bihar died in a boiler explosion at a factory in Gummidipoondi

Debris after an explosion at a factory at SIPCOT Industrial Estate in Gummidipoondi. | Photo credit: Special arrangement

A 24-year-old laborer from Bihar was killed and nine others injured when a boiler exploded during the process of extracting lead from used batteries at a private factory at SIPCOT Industrial Estate in Gummidipoondi on Tuesday.

The deceased has been identified as Ravi Ranjan. He and the injured workers – Ranjith Kumar, Prince Kumar, Om Kumar, Raja Babu, Om Prakash and four others, all from Bihar – were carrying out routine recycling operations at Jain Metals. Gummidipoondi police said Ravi Ranjan sustained severe burns while three workers sustained severe injuries and six others suffered minor burns. Company personnel along with Tamil Nadu Fire and Rescue Service (TNFRS) and police teams rushed him to hospital. However, Ravi Ranjan died on the way. The injured workers were admitted to Kilpauk Government Medical College Hospital, Gummidipoondi Government General Hospital and several private hospitals.

Immediately after the incident, officials from the Finance Department, Police Department, Social Welfare Department, Occupational Safety and Health Directorate and other concerned departments went to the spot and started the necessary relief and investigation measures. The police registered a case under Section 106 (causing death by negligence) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita based on a complaint filed by an employee. Police sources said the unit superintendent was named as an accused in the First Information Report after investigation. An investigation is underway to determine the cause of the explosion and the circumstances that led to the incident.

CM announces consolation

In a statement, Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay said he was deeply saddened and disturbed to learn of the accident. He directed officials to ensure that the nine injured workers receive the best possible medical care.

Mr. Vijay expressed his deepest sympathy and condolences to the family of the deceased worker and also ordered the payment of ₹2,000 from the Chief Minister’s Public Relief Fund (CMPRF) to the bereaved family. He further ordered the authorities to take the body to his home state.

In addition, he ordered financial assistance from CMPRF of ₹1,000 to each of the three workers who sustained serious injuries and are undergoing hospital treatment, and ₹50,000 to each of the six workers who sustained minor burns and are undergoing treatment.

Published – 14 Jul 2026 12:54 IST