Date: August 19, 2022
Location: Kakinada, Andhra Pradesh (India)
Address: Vakalapudi Area
Type: Dust Explosion
Fuel: Sugar Dust
Industry: Sugar Production (Food Processing)
Equipment: Conveyor Belt
Company: Unknown
Database Incidents: None Recorded
Loss: Two Dead, Nine Injured
Capital Cost: Unknown
Status: Open
Confirmation: Unconfirmed
Company Description:
The company was not identified in any press coverage of the incident.
Incident Description:
On August 19, 2022, India Today reported an explosion at a sugar refinery in Kakinada, India
According to the Times of India, 11 workers were utilizing a mobile conveyor belt when the short circuit occurred at approximately 11:00 am. Nine were injured: five individuals were admitted to various hospitals, while four others were discharged after receiving initial aid. Two workers were killed.
According to the Kakinada deputy chief inspector of factories, the accident occurred due to a fine sugar dust explosion. The exposed power cable, which was severed due to the movement of a heavy object over it, served as the ignition source for the fine dust.
The official stated that the explosion was suspected to be caused by a short circuit. He specified that the blast took place at the conveyor belt used for loading sugar in the factory, where raw sugar is processed into refined sugar. The exact cause of the accident will be determined by the fire and electricity departments.
The district fire officer mentioned that the accident occurred when the power supply was switched on to the conveyor belt for loading finished goods onto a truck.
Sources:
India Today
Times of India
