Fatal Explosion at Kakkanad Chemical Plant: One Dead, Four Injured

One individual has tragically lost their life, and four others sustained injuries in a devastating explosion at the Nitta Gelatin India Ltd’s plant located within the KINFRA Industrial Park near Kakkanad. The incident occurred on a Tuesday evening, claiming the life of Rajan Morangu, a 30-year-old native of Punjab, who was fatally injured in the blast. The injured include Najeeb, 48, a resident of Kakkanad, Saneesh, 46, from Thrikkakara, and Assam natives Pankaj, 36, and Kausuve, 36, who suffered various degrees of injuries. Najeeb and Saneesh, in particular, suffered extensive internal injuries to their stomachs and have been admitted to a nearby private hospital in Kakkanad for surgical treatment. Meanwhile, Pankaj and Kausuve sustained fractures.

Nitta Gelatin India Ltd primarily engages in the production and sale of gelatin, ossein (a type of protein), dicalcium phosphate (DCP), and collagen peptide.

According to officials from the Fire and Rescue Services, the explosion occurred near the passage connecting the plant to the canteen. Their preliminary investigation suggests that the blast resulted from a rupture in a condensation pipe linked to the furnace. The victims were on their way to the canteen for dinner at the time of the accident, stated an official from the Thrikkakara fire station.

Approximately 25 workers were inside the factory when the blast transpired. The fact that the workers were not dining together, as was customary, likely prevented a higher casualty count, the official noted.

Soon after the incident, City Police Commissioner A Akbar and officials from the revenue department visited the site. A case has been registered by the Infopark police, and a thorough investigation has been initiated.

Thrikkakara Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) P V Baby mentioned that they will obtain CCTV footage from the plant to further investigate the cause of the pipe rupture.

Internally, Nitta Gelatin India Ltd has commenced its own inquiry into the incident. A spokesperson for the company emphasized that only a comprehensive investigation will uncover the precise reasons behind the explosion.