Brick Kiln Chimney Collapse at Kamalpur Kills Five: 2 Injured Shifted to GBP Hospital, Owner Detained, Labour Minister Tinku Roy to Visit Today
By Our Correspondent
Agartala, December 18, 2025
A tragic industrial accident shook the Kamalpur Assembly constituency after a brick kiln chimney collapsed at the ABC Brick Industry in the Aparaskar VC area, killing five workers on the spot and seriously injuring several others. The injured were initially taken to a nearby health facility and later two of them shifted to Govind Ballabh Pant (GBP) Hospital in Agartala for advanced treatment. District Magistrate West Tripura Dr Vishal Kumar, IAS supervising their treatment in close coordination with the Shri Binoy Bhushan Das, Joint Labour Commissioner.
Sources said, District Magistrate, West Tripura already sanctioned Rs. 10000 for their preliminary treatment expenses.
Notably, the brick kiln is owned by Souvik Pal, who has been detained by the police for questioning as part of the ongoing investigation. The incident occurred suddenly and without warning while workers were on duty, triggering panic in the area.
Soon after the collapse, teams from the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), police, and Civil Defence Volunteers rushed to the site. Rescue and relief operations were launched immediately, with debris cleared and the injured evacuated under challenging conditions.
Chief Minister Dr Manik Saha expressed deep grief over the loss of lives and extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. He also wished a speedy recovery to those injured and is said to be closely monitoring the situation.
The tragedy has once again brought the spotlight on alleged safety lapses in brick kilns operating in Kamalpur, Ambassa block, and adjoining areas. Local residents and social activists have raised serious concerns, alleging that many such units function amid gross violations of safety norms, environmental regulations, and labour laws. Demands are growing for a comprehensive probe into the functioning and licensing of these brick industries.
There are also allegations that migrant labourers from outside the state are being employed through informal and unregulated contractors. Reports suggest that large sums of money, allegedly running into lakhs, are paid to intermediaries, raising questions about the legality and source of these transactions. Activists have called for strict verification of contractors, labour records, and financial dealings linked to such factories.
Adding to the concern are reports that women workers are compelled to bring their young children to the kiln premises due to the absence of basic facilities. Social organisations have warned that prolonged exposure to coal smoke, dust, and toxic environments poses severe health risks to children, depriving them of education, safety, and a healthy childhood. They argue that the six-month brick kiln season makes it imperative to provide childcare, nursing support, and basic educational arrangements, which are reportedly missing.
In the wake of the Kamalpur tragedy, public demand is mounting for an immediate statewide safety audit of all brick kilns and similar industrial units. Citizens and civil society groups have urged the government to order a Residual Life Cycle Analysis of old chimneys, structures, and industrial buildings through independent and competent agencies, free from corruption, to prevent future disasters.
Labour Minister Tinku Roy is scheduled to visit the accident site today to assess the situation firsthand. His visit is expected to focus on labour safety, compliance with existing laws, and accountability of factory owners and contractors.
The Kamalpur incident stands as a grim reminder of the urgent need for strict enforcement of industrial safety norms, transparent regulation of brick kilns, and stronger protection of labour rights, particularly those of women and children.
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