A devastating industrial accident at the premises of the renewable energy giant Avaada Group in Nagpur's Butibori MIDC area has claimed six lives and left nine others injured. The tragedy occurred on Friday when a ground-level water tank collapsed during operations, trapping workers under heavy debris.
Chaos and Rescue at the Accident Site
Immediate rescue operations were launched by local police and fire brigade personnel who rushed to the scene of chaos. Victims were found trapped under the massive structure, suffering severe fractures and fatal injuries. The Nagpur Rural Police have cordoned off the accident spot and registered an accidental death case at the Butibori police station.
Authorities face a significant challenge in notifying the families of the deceased, as many of the victims were migrant labourers from distant regions in states like Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. Superintendent of Police (Rural) Harssh A Poddar confirmed that district administrations in UP and Bihar are being contacted to inform the kin who reside in remote areas.
Probe Focuses on Safety and Structural Failure
While the prima facie cause points towards excessive hydrostatic pressure during testing, a detailed technical investigation is underway. Police are awaiting a comprehensive report from the Department of Industrial Safety and Health (DISH) before proceeding with a formal First Information Report (FIR).
SP Poddar emphasised that the probe will examine multiple factors including structural strength, material quality, pressure levels, and overall safety compliance. Forensic teams have collected crucial samples from the site to aid the investigation. "There would be clarity on the fixing of the accountability only after the technical reports from DISH," Poddar added.
A History of Incidents and Renewed Safety Demands
This incident marks the second major accident on the company's premises this year. Earlier, a labourer was killed by a reversing vehicle. The latest tragedy has prompted labour unions to renew their demands for rigorous enforcement of safety norms in high-risk industrial activities.
The affected unit is part of the prominent Avaada Group and is in the process of setting up a major solar module and cell manufacturing facility in Butibori. Post-mortem examinations of the deceased were conducted at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) Nagpur and the Government Medical College and Hospital (GMCH).
As authorities commit to a thorough investigation, this fatal collapse underscores the persistent and critical challenges in ensuring worker safety within India's rapidly expanding industrial corridors.
