Seven contract workers suffered burn injuries at the Amul Dairy premises in Anand on Friday evening after welding sparks ignited leaked biogas. The incident occurred during scheduled maintenance work at the dairy’s biogas plant, according to local authorities.
The injured workers, who were hired by an outsourced agency, were carrying out welding activities when residual biogas caught fire. The gas had reportedly accumulated due to a leak in the biogas balloon located near the effluent treatment plant (ETP).
Injured Workers Under Medical Care
All seven workers were immediately taken to Shree Krishna Hospital in Karamsad for treatment. Dr. Mayur Parmar, Prant Officer and Sub-Divisional Magistrate of Anand, confirmed the details to The Times of India.
“None of the workers are in critical condition. One worker has sustained major burns, while the remaining six have minor injuries. All are conscious and stable,” said Parmar, after consulting with hospital staff.
Investigation into Cause Underway
Officials have emphasized that the immediate focus remains on the workers’ medical care, but a thorough investigation into the cause of the accident will follow.
Amul Dairy Managing Director Amit Vyas stated that the biogas balloon was undergoing routine annual maintenance when the incident occurred. “We carry out preventive maintenance every year. The contractor’s workers were performing this task, and the collected gas in the balloon had been extracted,” said Vyas.
He added that initial reports suggest a spark triggered the ignition. “We will be investigating to determine the exact cause. The work was being done under the supervision of a safety officer,” Vyas noted.
Safety Measures and Oversight
While the exact source of the gas leak is yet to be determined, both company officials and local authorities have acknowledged the need for a comprehensive review of safety protocols. The incident raises concerns about hazardous gas handling during industrial maintenance work, even when preventive procedures are in place.
