Death toll at Kalain (Itbatta) accident raises to five, 14 year-old dies at SMCH on life support

The death toll at the Kalain brick kiln collapse rose to 5. Another death has been reported at the Silchar Medical College and Hospital. As per our sources, 14-year-old Ashraful Islam Laskar died on ventilation support at the hospital. Previously, two others injured from the S. A. B. I., brick kiln also died at SMCH while two deaths were reported on the spot. The rescue operation has been discontinued due to darkness by the state rescue agencies. Locals suspect there are labourers still stuck inside the rubble and debris of the kiln.

This evening while the labourers were setting the first fire of the season at the kiln, there were several blasts in the chimney which is said to be quite old for operation. Suddenly the chimney started to crumble and collapsed in no time. The first fire is set ceremonially every year in the presence of Imams and other family members and relatives of the owner and the labourers. Like every year, this year too there were many people in the industry for this occasion. As a result of this unfortunate accident, two died on the spot. Among them are 12-year-old Rahat Arfan and Abu Sufian, the imam conducting the ceremony informed.

According to medical sources, other than the two spot deaths, there have been three reports of deaths in the Silchar Medical College and Hospital. The death toll might go higher as the condition of some of the injured is said to be severe. About this incident, the Circle Office of Katigorah, Minerva Devi said, “We are trying to coordinate with the SMCH to get the exact count of deaths and injured. As of now, the rescue operation is over, we are currently taking measures to cater to the patients at the hospital and those being taken to Silchar Medical College and Hospital. Further operations will be carried out tomorrow. As per police reports, there are no labours stuck inside the kiln”. The Circle Officer also mentioned that the rescue operation was carried on by the State Disaster Management team and Fire Fighters.

SP Cachar APS Numal Mahatta about this incident said, “We have got reports of two deaths. Our men reached the spot as soon as they got the report of this incident. I am constantly looking into this matter. Police have extended hundred per cent cooperation. The fire brigade and SDRF rushed to the spot when we got the news. Our men are still present at the spot, extending whatever help is required”.

It is worth mentioning here that, several injured labourers and people from the owner’s family who went to the ceremony are undergoing treatment at the SMCH. The Kalain Primary Health Centre is also catering to other patients with minor injuries. According to our medical sources, some injured are on life support at the hospital and the death toll is suspected to go higher.