One dead, three injured in explosion at Edayar industrial area

KOCHI: One person has died and three others were injured in an explosion at a company in the Edayar industrial area. The deceased has been identified as a native of Odisha, with the injured also reportedly being migrant workers.

The explosion occurred in a factory involved in the processing of animal fat. Initial reports suggest the blast was caused by a gas stove explosion. The incident took place late last night around 11:30 pm. Firefighters and police quickly arrived on the scene, and their swift action in extinguishing the fire helped prevent further damage.

The three injured workers have been shifted to the Kalamasery Medical College Hospital for treatment. Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident, with preliminary findings indicating that the company was operating in violation of safety standards. It has been revealed that the boiler used in the factory was purchased without adhering to required regulations.

Local residents have staged protests outside the company, accusing it of flouting safety rules and operating without proper oversight. They allege that inspections were inadequate and that the relevant authorities were slow to respond to the scene even after the accident.