Boiler explodes at sugar factory in Vijayapura, no casualties

Vijayapura: Just before the memory of last year’s tragic boiler explosion fades, another boiler exploded at the Nandi Cooperative Sugar Factory in Krishnanagar, Vijayapura district, on Sunday morning. Fortunately, no casualties were reported.

The explosion occurred early Sunday morning at the Nandi Cooperative Sugar Factory located in Krishnanagar, Babaleshwar taluk, Vijayapura district.

About 15 workers on duty had stepped out for tea just moments before the explosion, resulting in no injuries.

On March 4, 2023, a similar incident at the same factory resulted in the death of one worker and serious injuries to four others. This recent explosion has heightened the anxiety among workers and farmers.

Preparations for the next sugarcane crushing season, including machinery maintenance, are currently underway at the factory.

Farmers allege that substandard work is the primary reason for the recurring boiler explosions. Despite experienced companies offering to undertake the boiler construction project for Rs. 55 crore, the responsibility was given to an inexperienced company for Rs. 50 crore to save costs. This decision is being blamed for the series of accidents, causing outrage among the farmers.