ADM sanctions Rs 25.16 lakh ex-gratia aid for victims of Kamalpur brick factory chimney collapse in Tripura. Five workers died, three injured. Labour Minister assures compensation, SDRF relief, and long-term rehabilitation support.
The Dhalai District Administration has sanctioned an ex-gratia assistance package amounting to Rs 25.16 lakh following the tragic chimney collapse at Aparashkar Brick Factory in Nakphul under Kamalpur subdivision. The devastating industrial accident claimed five lives and left three workers injured, triggering widespread concern over workplace safety in the region.
According to official sources, the relief amount has been approved to provide immediate financial support to the families of the deceased and those injured in the incident. Each bereaved family will receive Rs 4 lakh as ex-gratia compensation. Additional assistance has also been sanctioned under the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) for workers who sustained serious and partial injuries during the accident.
The incident occurred on Wednesday, December 17, when the chimney of the brick kiln suddenly collapsed during routine operations. Three labourers died on the spot after being buried under debris, while five others were rushed to nearby medical facilities. Despite emergency treatment, two workers later succumbed to their injuries at the hospital.
On Thursday, Labour Minister Tinku Roy visited the accident site and met with district officials, injured workers, and family members of the deceased. Expressing deep sorrow over the tragedy, the minister assured that the Labour Department would extend additional financial and welfare support to the affected families.
“In this sorrowful moment, both the Labour Department and the District Administration stand firmly beside the affected families and the injured. We are committed to fulfilling our humanitarian responsibility by ensuring timely relief, assistance, and comprehensive support,” Roy said during his visit.
District officials confirmed that all relief payments would be disbursed promptly to ensure that families do not face financial distress during this difficult period. Authorities are also coordinating with medical teams to ensure continued treatment and rehabilitation for the injured workers.
Beyond immediate relief, the administration has emphasized the need for long-term rehabilitation measures, including livelihood assistance and social welfare support for dependents of the deceased. Officials stated that the incident has once again highlighted the urgent need for strict enforcement of industrial safety norms, particularly in brick kilns and other high-risk workplaces.
Preliminary reports suggest structural weaknesses and possible lapses in safety compliance at the brick factory. The district administration has ordered a detailed inquiry to determine responsibility and assess whether safety regulations were violated. Appropriate legal action will be initiated based on the findings, officials said.
The announcement of ex-gratia aid and ministerial intervention is being widely viewed as a crucial step toward addressing the humanitarian crisis caused by the industrial accident. However, worker unions and civil society groups have called for stronger monitoring mechanisms to prevent such tragedies in the future.
| Also Read: Brick Kiln Tragedy: Five Dead in Chimney Collapse in Tripura |
As investigations continue, the focus remains on providing justice, relief, and sustained support to the victims and ensuring that workplace safety standards are rigorously upheld across the district.
