Odisha: Fire Breaks Out At Rourkela Steel Plant, No Casualty

Rourkela: Machineries, electricity tools and other industrial instruments worth lakhs were reduced to ashes after a fire broke out at Rourkela Steel Plant (RSP) late last night.

According to reports, the incident took place following a sudden outburst of slag boiler at Steel Melting Shop (SMS)-II of the plant. Fire immediately engulfed to nearby areas including the control room of slag boiler. The room was completely burnt in the mishap and machines installed inside the room and other instruments were also gutted.

Soon after the officials on duty noticed the blaze, they immediately informed the fire services personnel who rushed to the spot and brought the flame under control.

As many as two fire tenders were pressed into services, reports said.

However, no human casualties or injuries have been reported as employees were off duty at night.

Works have been halted at the SMS-II and the entire area has been cordoned off following the incident.

Meanwhile, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the plant has ordered an inquiry into the accident on the plant premises. As many as four general managers of the industry have been asked to investigate and submit a report.

On the other hand, various labour unions expressed concern over such repeated mishaps. The unions alleged shoddy maintenance in the boiler which led to such accidents.