Daijiworld Media Network- Bahraich

Bahraich, Apr 25: In a heart-wrenching incident, at least five workers lost their lives while three others sustained serious injuries following a massive fire that broke out in the Rajgarhia Rice Mill in the Dargah area of Bahraich district, Uttar Pradesh, early on Friday morning.

The blaze reportedly originated in the upper section of the mill during routine operations, triggering panic among the workers on-site. Eight workers attempted to douse the fire but were quickly overwhelmed by thick, toxic smoke. Tragically, five of them succumbed to smoke inhalation inside the mill premises.

District Magistrate Monika Rani confirmed the unfortunate incident and shed light on the circumstances leading to the deaths. “The workers were engaged in the paddy drying process. A machine used to remove moisture from the grains emitted smoke that proved fatal. The loss of lives due to suffocation is deeply saddening,” she said.

Chief Medical Superintendent Dr M.M. Tripathi informed media that five of the eight individuals brought to the hospital were declared dead on arrival. “The remaining three are under treatment and remain in critical condition. The accident took place at a rice mill in the Dargah locality,” he said.

Authorities have ordered a comprehensive investigation into the incident. Focus will be placed on whether there were any violations of fire safety norms or lapses in standard operating procedures at the facility. Labour welfare organisations and fire safety advocates have expressed serious concerns over the conditions in which workers operate in such industries.

Officials have assured that strict action will be taken if any negligence or failure to adhere to safety protocols is established. The tragedy has cast a grim spotlight on industrial safety standards and the urgent need for enforcement in rural industrial hubs.