Pics: Steephan Kayyar

Daijiworld Media Network - Kasargod

Kasargod, Oct 27: A worker from Assam was killed and 10 others were injured after a boiler exploded at a plywood factory in the Ananthapuram Industrial Estate near Kumble on Monday, October 27 evening.

The deceased has been identified as Naseerul, a native of Assam. Three of the injured are in critical condition, according to district collector Inbasekar K.

The explosion occurred around 7.10 pm at Décor Panel Plywood Factory, which employs nearly 300 workers, most of them from outside Kerala. The blast took place shortly after the 6.45 pm shift began, when around 20 workers were on duty, said K Sajith, manager of the District Industries Centre.

Following the explosion, seven injured workers were first rushed to Doctors Hospital in Uppala. “Naseerul succumbed to his injuries here. The other six were referred to Yenepoya Hospital in Mangaluru for advanced treatment,” said a hospital official.

Residents in the vicinity reported that the loud explosion shook nearby houses, damaging doors and windows within a 300-metre radius. The sound was reportedly heard nearly a kilometre away. The industrial estate, located in the Kannur ward of Puthige village, lies barely 500 metres from the historic Ananthapura Lake Temple, said ward member Janardhana Poojary K.

A boiler in plywood units produces high-pressure steam for drying and pressing wood sheets. Police have cordoned off the area and imposed safety restrictions as a precautionary measure.

The Department of Factories and Boilers has directed the Chemical Emergency Response Centre (CHEMREC), Ernakulam, to conduct a detailed investigation. Further action will be taken based on the inquiry findings, the district collector said.