A worker was killed and at least five others were critically injured in a boiler explosion while parboiling paddy at a rice mill in the Hapania area of Naogaon Sadar Upazila.
The accident occurred suddenly at around 9:30 AM on Wednesday (October 7) while workers were performing their routine duties.
According to local residents and factory sources, the mill was operating normally in the morning for paddy parboiling and rice production. The boiler exploded with a loud bang due to excess steam pressure generated while heating water. The force of the explosion was so intense that heavy iron parts of the boiler and boiling water were scattered in all directions, leaving workers inside severely burned and injured. The factory shed and surrounding infrastructure were also partially damaged.
Immediately following the blast, local residents and Fire Service personnel rushed to the spot and launched a rescue operation. The injured were taken to Naogaon Sadar Hospital, where the duty doctor declared a young worker dead.
Due to the critical condition of the remaining five injured workers, they were transferred to Rajshahi Medical College Hospital (RMCH) for advanced treatment following primary care.
Senior officials from the police and local administration inspected the scene after the incident. The Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Naogaon Sadar Police Station stated that authorities are investigating whether the boiler was faulty or if the explosion was caused by excess steam pressure beyond capacity. The body of the deceased worker has been sent to the hospital morgue for an autopsy, and the process of forming an investigation committee is underway.
Meanwhile, the incident has sparked severe anger and panic among general workers regarding safety standards. Workers alleged that the mill was being operated without regular maintenance or boiler fitness inspections, costing a young worker his life.
— Daily Best News Desk • Fearless in the search for truth
Reported by Uzzal Kumar Sarkar, Naogaon Correspondent • Edited by the Daily Best News desk. Send corrections to [email protected].
