Blast after gas leak: HIL employee succumbs to injuries

Kochi: A 57-year-old employee of Hindustan Insecticides Limited (HIL), who suffered 70 per cent burn injuries in a blast following a chemical leak, died at a private hospital here today, hospital sources said.

Paul P Thomas died this afternoon while undergoing treatment at the burns ICU of the hospital, a hospital spokesman said.

At least 15 persons were injured when the blast occurred following leak of the chemical on the premises of HIL on November 2 at nearby Kalamassery Industrial Area on Wednesday.

The accident occurred when carbon disulfide brought to HIL in a tanker lorry caught fire as the chemical was being transferred to the facility set up in the factory.

Ernakulam District Collector K Mohammed Y Safirulla had ordered a probe into the incident.

The Department of Factories and Boilers under the Ministry of Labour looks after the safety, health and welfare of workers employed in factories is expected to give a report soon.

HIL is a public sector enterprise under the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilisers.