Three workers lost their lives and two others were critically injured after a toxic gas leak occurred at a private pharmaceutical manufacturing unit in Karnataka’s Yadgir district during the early hours of Wednesday. The incident took place at the Kadechur Badiyal Industrial Area, which falls under the jurisdiction of Saidapur police station in Gurmitkal Assembly constituency.

According to preliminary information provided by the police, the gas leak occurred between 2 am and 3.30 am inside the pharmaceutical facility when a chemical scrubber installed at the plant reportedly malfunctioned and released hazardous gas. Workers present inside the unit were exposed to the toxic fumes, leading to severe breathing difficulties and suffocation.

Yadgir Superintendent of Police Prithvi Shankar said the initial investigation indicated that the workers inhaled dangerous chemicals released from the leaking equipment. He stated that the incident appeared to have occurred due to a failure in the chemical scrubber system, which resulted in the release of poisonous gas inside the factory premises.

“The preliminary information suggests that the incident took place between 2 am and 3.30 am inside the factory, where a chemical scrubber reportedly developed a gas leak. The workers are believed to have suffocated after inhaling the hazardous chemical, resulting in the deaths of three workers,” the police officer said.

The deceased workers were identified as Katla Ganesh, aged 23, who was originally from Telangana, and two workers from Madhya Pradesh, Vikram Singh Gond and Sanjay Singh Gond, both aged 25. Their deaths have raised concerns over industrial safety measures and emergency response systems in chemical and pharmaceutical manufacturing units.

Two other workers, identified as Manchala Hemanth and Manchala Shivakumar from Andhra Pradesh, sustained serious injuries after being exposed to the toxic gas. They were immediately shifted to the intensive care unit at the Raichur Institute of Medical Sciences Hospital, where they are undergoing treatment.

Authorities have initiated an investigation to determine the exact cause of the gas leak and assess whether any safety protocols were violated at the facility. Officials are expected to examine the condition of the chemical processing equipment, workplace safety arrangements, and compliance with industrial safety regulations.

The incident has once again highlighted concerns regarding worker protection in industrial zones, particularly in factories dealing with hazardous chemicals. Safety experts have often stressed the importance of regular equipment inspections, proper ventilation systems, emergency evacuation plans, and adequate protective gear for employees working in high-risk environments.

Further details regarding the investigation, accountability, and possible action against those responsible are awaited as authorities continue their probe into the tragic incident.