Nine workers hospitalized after gas leak at Rourkela Steel Plant

Bhubaneswar, July 1: Nine individuals, comprising both permanent and contractual employees, were hospitalized on Monday due to a suspected release of liquefied carbon monoxide gas from a blast furnace at the Rourkela Steel Plant (RSP) in Odisha’s Rourkela steel township.

The incident occurred during routine operations at the blast furnace, causing symptoms of dizziness and nausea among the affected employees, as reported by an RSP official. They were promptly transported to Ispat General Hospital, where they are currently recovering and in stable condition.

The source of the gas leak has been secured, according to the official, who also confirmed the initiation of an inquiry to determine the exact cause. The RSP management has pledged to take strict disciplinary action if any safety violations are uncovered. While initially causing concern among local residents, the incident was contained within the plant premises, allaying fears of wider impact in the steel town.