SDM contradicts findings of technical committee

The sub-divisional magistrate (SDM) inquiring into the Khanna factory blast has contradicted the findings of the two-member technical committee comprising deputy directors (factories). Talking to HT, SDM Purshotam Singh Sodhi said that after recording the statements of the injured workers and looking into the circumstances leading to the incident, he had reached the conclusion that the blast had occurred in the chamber carrying the highly inflammable hexane gas.

The sub-divisional magistrate (SDM) inquiring into the Khanna factory blast has contradicted the findings of the two-member technical committee comprising deputy directors (factories).

HT Image

Talking to HT, SDM Purshotam Singh Sodhi said that after recording the statements of the injured workers and looking into the circumstances leading to the incident, he had reached the conclusion that the blast had occurred in the chamber carrying the highly inflammable hexane gas.

"Such was the impact of the blast that the metallic lid of the container went flying up to a distance of 30 feet. The chamber got overturned, resulting in the sudden spread of the gas, followed by the blast and devastating fire," said Sodhi.

He, however, refused to divulge the reason behind the blast, saying he would mention it in the inquiry report, which he would be submitting to deputy commissioner Rahul Tewari on Sunday.

The technical committee, on the other hand, has found that a leakage had occurred at a joint connecting the two pipes carrying hexane, which went unnoticed for a considerable period of time, resulting in the spread of the gas and eventually the explosion.

"Had it been a leakage, it would not have been so damaging. But I will mention the findings of the technical committee in my report," said Sodhi.