2 dead, 3 critical after falling into toxic water at Durgapur gas extraction site

Two workers have tragically died and three others are critically injured after falling into toxic, waste-mixed water at a private gas extraction facility in Durgapur, West Bengal. The incident took place on Tuesday morning at Pit No. 242 in Parulia, Faridpur, which is operated by a private company engaged in gas extraction. The deceased have been identified as Akash Badyakar (25), a resident of Jambon in Kanksa, and Arup Chowdhury (26) from Maldah. The workers were part of a team of contract laborers conducting routine operations at the gas extraction site.

According to sources, five contract workers fell into the contaminated water after the extraction process. The water was mixed with waste, creating a hazardous environment. Immediate rescue operations by fellow workers managed to pull the victims out of the water. The injured were first taken to a private medical college hospital in Shobapur, Durgapur, for initial treatment. Akash and Arup were later transferred to a multi-speciality hospital in Bidhannagar, Durgapur, due to their worsening condition, where both were declared dead. The remaining three workers, whose names have not been disclosed, are still under intensive care at the hospital.

Local resident Uttam Singh, who is familiar with the workers, has expressed concern about the safety measures at the gas extraction site, citing previous instances of unsafe working conditions. He has demanded that the authorities take action against the responsible parties. Despite the criticism, the gas extraction company's management has denied negligence, stating that all safety protocols were followed during the operation.

Authorities have begun an investigation into the cause of the accident, with local officials committing to examine the incident thoroughly. The results of the inquiry will determine any further legal or safety actions that need to be taken. The critically injured workers continue to receive medical treatment, and the company has been urged to review its safety procedures to avoid similar incidents in the future.