Keonjhar: Eight labourers were injured and one went missing after an explosion in a blast furnace at KJS Ahluwalia Sponge Iron factory situated in Joda of Keonjhar district today.
The injured labourers have been admitted to Tisco Hospital in Joda.
According to sources, inflammable items like gas, diesel, synthetic engine oil and oxygen are used during work in the blast furnace. One of the items had suddenly caught fire when the labourers were working. Later, the fire engulfed the blast furnace resulting in the explosion.
Fire brigade and police have reached the spot.
It has been alleged that shoes, helmet and leather jacket for the labourers working in the furnace was not arranged by the plant, due to which the labourers were injured.