3 Workers Die After Inhaling Toxic Fumes While Cleaning Tank At Tata Electronics' TN Plant, Probe Ordered

New Delhi/Krishnagiri, Nov 10 (PTI) Three workers died in an incident at a utility facility operated by Nalco Water at a Tata Electronics factory in Hosur, Tamil Nadu, which makes components for Apple iPhones. The deaths occurred when three contract workers suffocated while cleaning a wastewater treatment tank at the facility, police said on Tuesday.

The deceased -- Kaveri (30) of Hosur, B Akmal (28) and M Sarathi Kumar (28), both hailing from Dharmapuri district -- were exposed to lethal poisonous fumes and severe oxygen depletion while desilting an effluent treatment plant (ETP) storage tank on Monday evening.

Akmal initially peered into the tank to inspect it, only to collapse immediately from gas exposure. Attempting a rescue, Kaveri directed Sarathi Kumar to check on their fallen colleague, but he fainted upon entry. Kaveri then rushed inside the enclosure himself, succumbing to the toxic atmosphere moments later.

A fourth crew member who observed the tragedy unfold alerted nearby staff. Rescuers pulled all three individuals from the tank and rushed them to a private hospital in Hosur, where doctors declared them dead on arrival. The remains were subsequently transferred to the Government Medical College Hospital in Krishnagiri for post-mortem examinations.

Visiting the site to inspect safety protocols, Krishnagiri district collector C Dinesh Kumar confirmed that asphyxiation during sludge removal was the primary cause of death. Dinesh Kumar also issued strict orders to the Tata Electronics management to submit a detailed Action Taken Report (ATR) regarding the incident.

In addition, he announced that a comprehensive inquiry has been launched into the breach of safety regulations at the plant, which manufactures and assembles components for Apple iPhones. After registering a case, police officers have intensified their investigation into why the labourers entered the gas-filled tank without any formal protective equipment, and whether negligence by the contracting firms played a role.

According to preliminary investigations, there was no proper gas monitoring equipment or emergency rescue mechanisms in place during the tank cleaning operation, police said. In addition, officials from the Directorate of Industrial Safety and Health (DISH) and the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board (TNPCB) have conducted a spot inspection at the site.

Tamil Nadu Industries Minister Keerthana, in a post on X, said the incident would be thoroughly investigated and appropriate action taken based on the findings. "Deeply saddened by the tragic loss of three precious lives in the incident at Tata Electronics' facility in Hosur", she said adding, "my heartfelt condolences to the families who have lost their loved ones.

I pray for strength and courage for them during this difficult time". "I have spoken to the district administration and directed them to extend all necessary support to the affected families and ensure that the situation is addressed with utmost urgency," the Minister said.

Noting that the safety and dignity of every worker must remain paramount, the Minister said, "This tragic incident will be thoroughly investigated, and appropriate action will be taken based on the findings. We must ensure that every necessary measure is put in place to prevent such tragedies from recurring".