Factory Chimney Collapses in West Bengal’s Jamuria, 4 Workers Killed, One Seriously Injured

October 18, 2026

Kolkata: A major accident occurred at a private sponge iron factory in Jamuria, West Bengal’s West Bardhaman district. Four workers were killed and another seriously injured when a chimney under construction collapsed. Police reported the accident on Sunday. Following the incident, people at the factory premises expressed strong anger. Clashes between protesters and police were also reported.

Chimney collapses during construction

According to local sources, chimney construction was underway at Unit 3 of the Shyamsel factory in Jamuria on Saturday night. Some workers were working there when the chimney suddenly collapsed, burying them under the debris.

Hearing the loud noise of the crash, other factory workers rushed to the scene and began rescue operations. Rescue teams from the police, fire department, and State Disaster Management Force also arrived at the scene.

After a prolonged rescue operation, five workers were pulled from the debris and taken to the hospital. Doctors declared four of them dead. One worker, who was seriously injured, is undergoing treatment at a private hospital in Durgapur.

Two deceased identified

Two of the four workers who lost their lives in the accident have been identified as Sukanta Pal and Balram Mandal. According to local sources, both were residents of Jamuria. Co-workers said the third deceased was a resident of Assam, while the fourth worker has not yet been identified.

As soon as news of the accident spread, relatives of the deceased and injured, along with a large number of local residents, gathered outside the factory. Expressing anger over the incident, people raised questions about the security arrangements. According to local sources, some people clashed with police during the protest. Police remained engaged in controlling the situation.

Questions raised about factory security arrangements

The accident has raised questions about the safety arrangements for workers at the factory. There are demands for an investigation into whether necessary safety measures were followed during the construction work. Furthermore, the chimney’s construction is also being investigated to determine whether the prescribed technical regulations were followed.

However, the exact cause of the chimney collapse remains unclear.

After receiving information about the incident, Jamuria MLA Bijan Mukherjee and Asansol-Durgapur Police Commissioner Pranab Kumar arrived at the scene at night. The MLA stated that the cause of the accident is being investigated. It will also be determined whether there was any negligence in safety measures during the construction.

Compensation for the families of the deceased will be discussed

MLA Bijan Mukherjee stated that discussions will be held with the factory management regarding providing financial compensation to the families of the deceased workers and arranging for proper treatment for the injured worker.

Jamuria police have also begun an investigation into the matter. According to police officials, they are investigating who was responsible for the chimney construction, whether necessary precautions were taken during construction, and what arrangements were made for the workers’ safety.

At present, no detailed statement has been issued by the factory management regarding the accident.