Illness During Tank Inspection
Preliminary reports suggest the employees were inspecting a malfunction in the oil movement section. Deep Chandra Bharatiya and Bijli Prasad were inspecting the FIBI7029 tank when they suddenly fell ill. They were immediately rushed to a hospital in Mangaluru, but were pronounced dead on arrival.
Committee Formed to Investigate Incident
Vinayak Mayagere, also present in the oil movement section, attempted to help his colleagues but also inhaled the toxic gas, losing consciousness. MRPL administration has formed a committee to investigate the incident. Sources indicate this is a high-level committee including the group’s general manager.
Previous Incidents of Toxic Gas Deaths
In January, a worker died and ten others fell ill after inhaling toxic gas at a factory in Koppal district, Karnataka. Similarly, in May 2024, four members of a family died after inhaling toxic gas at a house in Yaraganahalli, Mysuru.