A 24-year-old worker from Bihar was killed and nine others were injured when a boiler exploded during the process of extracting lead from used batteries at a private factory at the SIPCOT Industrial Estate in Gummidipoondi on Tuesday.
The deceased was 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. The Gummidipoondi police said Ravi Ranjan had suffered severe burns, while three workers suffered grievous injuries and six others suffered minor burns. Company personnel, along with the Tamil Nadu Fire and Rescue Services (TNFRS) and police teams, rushed him to a hospital. However, Ravi Ranjan died on the way. The injured workers have been admitted to the Government Kilpauk Medical College Hospital, Gummidipoondi Government General Hospital, and several private hospitals.
Immediately after the incident, officials from the Revenue Department, Police Department, Labour Welfare Department, Directorate of Industrial Safety and Health, and other departments concerned rushed to the spot and initiated the necessary relief and investigation measures. The police have registered a case under Section 106 (causing death by negligence) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita based on a complaint lodged by the workers. Police sources said the supervisor of the unit was named as an accused in the First Information Report after an inquiry. An investigation is under way to determine the cause of the explosion and the circumstances leading to the incident.
In a statement, Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay said he was deeply saddened and distressed upon learning about the accident. He directed officials to ensure that the nine injured workers received the best possible medical care.
Mr. Vijay conveyed his deepest condolences and sympathies to the family of the deceased worker and also ordered the disbursal of ₹2 lakh from the Chief Minister’s Public Relief Fund (CMPRF) to the bereaved family. Further, he directed the authorities to transport the body to his native State.
Additionally, he ordered financial assistance from the CMPRF of ₹1 lakh each to the three workers who sustained grievous injuries and are undergoing treatment in hospital and ₹50,000 each to the six workers who suffered minor burns and are receiving treatment.
Published - July 14, 2026 12:54 pm IST