Three contract workers have died after allegedly inhaling toxic gas during maintenance work at a Tata Electronics factory near Hosur in Tamil Nadu. The incident took place on Monday evening at the company’s facility in Vanniyapuram, Krishnagiri district, which manufactures components for Apple’s iPhones.
The deaths have raised serious concerns about industrial safety measures and working conditions at manufacturing facilities.
What Happened Inside the Factory?
According to preliminary information, the three workers were carrying out cleaning and maintenance work at a wastewater treatment facility. They were reportedly inspecting a nano-filtration tank when they lost consciousness after suspected exposure to toxic gas.
The deceased have been identified as Akmal Babu, 28, Sarathikumar, 25, and Kaveri, 32. After they collapsed inside the tank, other workers rushed to rescue them. They were taken to a hospital in Hosur, where doctors declared them dead.
Safety Lapses Under Investigation
Krishnagiri district officials said the incident was being investigated. Preliminary findings suggest that a chemical used to control foul odour inside the tank may have triggered the release of toxic gas.
The district administration is examining whether adequate safety precautions were followed before workers entered the confined space. The bodies have been sent for post-mortem examinations to establish the exact cause of death.
Apple and Tata Supply Chain Under Spotlight
The factory is an important part of Apple’s manufacturing network in India, producing components used in iPhones. The incident has also drawn attention to worker safety in India’s expanding electronics manufacturing sector.
The Tamil Nadu government has assured that the incident will be thoroughly investigated and appropriate action will follow based on the findings.
Production at the facility was reportedly unaffected, as the plant was closed for the Deepavali holiday.