Tripura: Brick Kiln Chimney Collapse, 3 killed, 4 injured

AGARTALA- At least three workers were killed and four others injured after a chimney collapsed at a brick kiln in the Kamalpur subdivision of Tripura’s Dhalai district on Wednesday, drawing attention to persistent safety concerns in the state’s seasonal brick manufacturing sector.

The incident occurred at ABC Brick Industry in the Aperskar area while workers were preparing to resume kiln operations after a period of inactivity typical during Tripura’s winter dry season. According to preliminary reports, traditional rituals, including Brahma Puja, were underway ahead of lighting the furnace when the chimney structure suddenly gave way.

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The deceased have been identified as Subal Debnath (55) and Pinku Shil (37), both residents of Tripura, and Anil Gautam (49), a worker from Uttar Pradesh. Of the four injured, at least two are migrant workers from Jharkhand. All the injured were initially taken to Bimal Sinha Memorial Hospital in Kamalpur, with three later referred to Govind Ballabh Pant Medical College and Hospital in Agartala for advanced medical care.

Emergency response teams, including personnel from the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), fire services, and the police, were rushed to the site. Heavy machinery was deployed to clear debris and carry out rescue operations.

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Tripura Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha expressed grief over the incident in a post on social media platform X, stating that SDRF and police teams were actively engaged in rescue and relief operations. He conveyed condolences to the bereaved families and wished a speedy recovery to the injured.

Police have detained the brick kiln owner, Souvik Paul, along with the kiln manager, for questioning. A formal investigation has been initiated to determine the cause of the collapse. Preliminary inquiries are examining possible structural weaknesses, safety lapses, and other contributing factors, including the possibility of methane gas buildup inside the chimney. Some unconfirmed reports have also suggested a fire within the structure prior to the collapse.

The incident has renewed calls for stricter enforcement of occupational safety regulations in Tripura’s brick kilns, which employ a significant number of migrant and local labourers during their limited operational season. Authorities said further details would emerge as the investigation progresses.