A devastating fire erupted at the ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel India (AM/NS India) plant in Hazira, Gujarat, on Tuesday evening. The fire tragically claimed the lives of four workers and injured one other. The incident occurred during the restart of a unit after a shutdown, with initial investigations pointing towards equipment failure as the cause.  

According to Surat Commissioner of Police Anupam Singh Gehlot, the fire spread rapidly after burning coal spilled over in one section of the plant. Four workers, who were on an elevator at the time, were tragically caught in the blaze.  

"We have learnt that the fire spread in one section of the plant after burning coal suddenly spilled over. The resultant blaze killed four laborers, who were on a lift at that time in the plant," Gehlot stated.  

In a statement, an AM/NS India spokesperson expressed deep sorrow over the incident, acknowledging that it occurred at the Corex plant due to equipment failure.

"We are sorry to report an accident at COREX plant due to an equipment failure at AMNS Hazira Operations. The accident occurred around 6.00 pm today during the restart of the unit after shutdown. Four contractual workers of a private company performing maintenance on a lift (elevator) nearby were embroiled in the impact and could not survive," the spokesperson said.

The company emphasized that they are extending all possible support to the families of the deceased workers. Immediate emergency protocols were activated, and the affected area has been cordoned off. A thorough internal investigation is underway to determine the exact cause of the accident, with the company cooperating closely with relevant authorities.

This tragic incident highlights the critical importance of robust safety measures and regular maintenance checks in industrial settings. Authorities, including the police and factory inspectors, will be conducting further investigations to understand the circumstances that led to this devastating event and to prevent similar tragedies in the future.

This is a developing story; we will update this story as and when more information gets available.