Hosur Tata Electronics Plant: 3 Contract Workers Die in Effluent Tank

Three contract workers died on Monday evening, 9 November, after breathing toxic fumes while cleaning an effluent treatment plant storage tank at the Tata Electronics factory in Hosur, Tamil Nadu, which makes iPhone components. Krishnagiri District Collector C Dinesh Kumar said asphyxiation during sludge removal was the primary cause of death and announced an inquiry into the breach of safety rules, according to PTI.

The dead are Kaveri (30) of Hosur, and B Akmal (28) and M Sarathi Kumar (28), both from Dharmapuri district. All three were working at a utility facility run by Nalco Water inside the factory premises.

How the Three Went Into the Tank

Reports say Akmal collapsed after looking into the tank, which was short of oxygen. Sarathi Kumar fainted when he went in to check on him. Kaveri then entered and also lost consciousness. A fourth crew member raised the alarm and the three were pulled out. Doctors at a private hospital in Hosur declared them dead on arrival. The bodies were sent to the Government Medical College Hospital in Krishnagiri for post-mortem examination.

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Inquiry and Questions for the Contractor Chain

Tamil Nadu Industries Minister Virudhai Magal Keerthana said on X that the incident would be “thoroughly investigated” and that action would follow the findings. She asked the district administration to give the families all necessary support. No compensation figure has been announced so far.

Nalco Water, an Ecolab company, said the workers were engaged by one of its sub-contractors and that it is working with local authorities. Tata Electronics has not issued a statement yet. Apple is reported to be looking into the incident.

A Familiar Pattern in Tank Deaths

Deaths from toxic gas in tanks and pits are repeatedly reported from Tamil Nadu and other states, and they often involve contract labour working without breathing equipment. Whether these workers had gas detectors, ventilation or rescue gear is the question the district inquiry is expected to answer. Related coverage of Tamil Nadu governance is on the Tamil Nadu tag page, including the state’s decision to fit GPS and panic buttons in buses.

The inquiry report, the post-mortem findings and any police case against the contractor or company are still to come. The Collector has not given a deadline.

Source: Based on reporting by ThePrint (PTI) and Siasat. No official document was available online at the time of writing; the Collector’s and the Minister’s statements were reported by both outlets.

Image: Siasat.