Bokaro: Two employees, including a shift in-charge, died after suspected exposure to carbon monoxide at ESL Steel Ltd’s plant in Siyaljori on Sunday, prompting the district administration to order an inquiry and seal off the affected area.The deceased were identified as Sohan Mahto (40), a resident of Hazaribag and the plant’s shift in-charge, and Sameer Ansari (30), an engineer employed by one of the company’s business partners, from Dhanbad.The incident occurred around 9 am. The two men were examined at the plant before being shifted to a hospital, where doctors declared them dead.Bokaro deputy commissioner Ajay Nath Jha said the administration had taken serious cognisance of the incident and ordered an inquiry by Chas sub-divisional magistrate Pranjal Dhadha. The committee will submit its report within 72 hours. Jha also directed Bokaro SP Nathu Singh Meena to monitor the situation.“The gas leakage has been brought under control and the situation is being continuously monitored. I urge the public to remain calm and refrain from believing or circulating unverified rumours,” Jha said. “Further action will be taken in accordance with the findings of the inquiry.”Earlier, factory inspector Shivanand Laguri had directed the company to cordon off the affected area and declare it unsafe. Entry was barred until the gas was identified and its concentration, measured in parts per million, was brought within safe limits. Officials said the plant handles several hazardous gases and the source of exposure was yet to be established.In an update, the company said the deputy chief inspector of factories and the executive magistrate, Chas, visited the site with the plant’s technical team and declared it safe “as per current assessment”. It said the activity under way at the time was part of routine operations and that the cause had not yet been determined.“ESL Steel Ltd deeply mourns the tragic demise of both individuals and extends its heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families,” a company spokesperson said. The company said it would provide assistance to the families and conduct an independent investigation.ESL Steel, a subsidiary of Vedanta Iron & Steel Ltd, operates an integrated long-products steel plant at Siyaljori in Chandankiyari block.
