Two workers die at Bhaluka ceramic factory

BHALUKA, MYMENSINGH, July 18: Two workers died while carrying out repair work inside an effluent treatment plant (ETP) at Excellent Ceramics Industries Ltd in Bhaluka Upazila of Mymensingh on Saturday morning.

The deceased were identified as Rumel, 25, a civil helper from Khaliajuri Upazila in Netrakona, and Shafiqul Islam, 28, a mechanical welder from Koyra Upazila in Khulna.

According to Mymensingh Industrial Police, the incident occurred at the factory in Paragaon area under Habirbari Union.

Additional Superintendent of Police Gopinath Kanjilal said Rumel entered a pit inside the ETP to carry out repair work. After he lost consciousness, his co-worker Shafiqul Islam went down to rescue him but also became unconscious.

Factory authorities later rescued the two workers and rushed them to Mymensingh Medical College Hospital, where doctors declared both dead.

Abinash Kundu, Manager of the factory's sanitary plant, said the workers were initially believed to have been overcome by toxic gas accumulated inside the ETP pit.

ASP Gopinath Kanjilal said police had visited the site and were investigating the exact cause of the incident. The inquiry will also examine whether there were deficiencies in workplace safety measures or negligence in the rescue operation.