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Acid tanker explodes; one killed
Cuddalore, 10 March, 2006 -- An explosion in an
acid tanker undergoing welding work at a workshop in Cuddalore
Old Town killed a driver's assistant today. According to one unconfirmed
report, the tanker was returning after having supplied chemicals from
SIPCOT-based Shasun Chemicals to a factory in Pondicherry, when it sprung a leak. The tanker was
taken to a workshop to fix the leak. Even as the welding was in progress,
the truck cleaner (driver's assistant) climbed atop the tanker and opened
the hatch. There was a sudden explosion and the cleaner was killed on the
spot.
Although, the Hazardous Chemicals Rules
require chemicals to be handled and transported only by authorised
and trained companies, there is no enforcement of these rules. Often
drivers and cleaners of chemical tankers neither know what exactly is being
transported, or how it should be handled.
The District Environmental Engineer of the Tamilnadu Pollution Control Board is reportedly
investigating the incident.
Further details are awaited.
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