Brick Kiln Chimney Collapse at Kamalpur Kills Three, Injures Four; Probe into Safety Violations Demanded

By Our Correspondent

Agartala, December 17, 2025

A tragic industrial accident occurred under the Kamalpur Assembly constituency when the chimney of ABC Brick Industry, owned by Souvik Pal, suddenly collapsed at Aparaskar VC area, leading to the death of three workers and leaving four others seriously injured.

According to official sources, the incident took place without prior warning. The injured were immediately shifted to a nearby hospital for treatment. SDRF, police personnel, and Civil Defence Volunteers rushed to the spot and carried out rescue and relief operations promptly.

Expressing deep grief over the incident, Chief Minister Dr Manik Saha conveyed his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and wished a speedy recovery to those injured. The Chief Minister has been closely monitoring the situation, sources said.

The incident has once again raised serious concerns over safety standards in brick industries, particularly in Ambassa block and adjoining areas, where several brick kilns are allegedly operating amid gross irregularities. Local residents and social activists have demanded a thorough investigation into the functioning of such brick factories.

There are allegations that migrant labourers from outside the state are being engaged through so-called fly-by-night contractors, with reports suggesting that large sums of money running into lakhs are paid to certain intermediaries. Questions are being raised about the source and legality of such funds, and there is growing demand for verification of these claims.

Equally alarming are reports that women workers are forced to bring their young children to the factory premises, exposing them to toxic environments, coal smoke, and hazardous working conditions instead of access to books, education, and a healthy childhood. Activists point out that the six-month brick kiln season is long enough to necessitate basic facilities such as childcare, nursing support, and educational arrangements, which are reportedly absent.

In the aftermath of the tragedy, voices are growing louder for an immediate safety audit of all brick industries and related factories across the state. Many citizens have urged Chief Minister Dr Manik Saha to initiate a Residual Life Cycle Analysis (RLCA) of all old structures and industrial buildings, to be conducted by independent and competent agencies free from corruption, to prevent such devastating incidents in the future.

The Kamalpur tragedy stands as a grim reminder of the urgent need for strict enforcement of safety norms, accountability of factory owners and contractors, and protection of labour rights, especially those of women and children.

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