CHENNAI: In a gas pipeline explosion three persons were killed and five others critically injured at a steel melting factory in Uthiramerur on Friday. The police have detained three factory officials for inquiry. According to the officials, all the injured persons have suffered over 80 percent burns. Four of the injured have been admitted to a private hospital in Polichalur while one other injured and bodies of the three deceased have been moved to the Kilpauk Medical College.

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The private factory, where the accident occurred, employs 300 people in manufacturing beams, channels and sponge iron along with other things. Workers put small metal scrap into the boiler and melt it at high temperatures. “Small explosions, due to the formation of water molecules inside the boiler, are common and molten iron spills out, injuring us,” say workers.

On Friday, the explosion was, however, much bigger. “It happened around 2 am. The three laborers, all migrants, standing close to the pipe that exploded were completely charred,” say workers who witnessed the accident. The deceased have been identified as Akhilesh (34) from Uttar Pradesh, Surendra (24) and Dinesh (25) from Bihar. Those injured are Sikander (20), Ranjith (27), Srikkanth (30), Krishnadoss (40), and Sashoo (28). Further action will be taken after the investigation, said police.

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