Sudan factory blast: Narendra Modi expresses grief over death of 18 Indian workers among 23 killed in LPG tanker explosion

Khartoum: At least 18 Indians were among 23 people killed in an LPG tanker blast that destroyed a ceramic factory in Sudan, the Indian mission said on Wednesday. Over 130 were injured. Sixteen Indians were missing after the incident at the Seela Ceramic Factory in Bahri area in the Sudanese capital Khartoum on Tuesday. “As per latest reports, but so far not confirmed officially, 18 are dead,” the Indian Embassy said. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday expressed anguish at the death of workers, including Indians, in a Sudan factory.

Anguished by the blast in a ceramic factory in Sudan, where some Indian workers have lost their lives and some are injured. My thoughts are with the bereaved families and prayers with the injured. Our Embassy is providing all possible assistance to those affected.

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 4, 2019

Meanwhile, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar also tweeted about the incident. “A 24-hour emergency hotline +249-921917471 has been set up by @EoI_Khartoum. Our prayers are with the workers and their families,” he said.

Our Ambassador has visited these hospitals and assured that all possible assistance will be provided.
Our Embassy @EoI_Khartoum has reached out to the injured workers & their families, extending necessary help in this difficult time.

— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) December 4, 2019

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He said 60 Indians were employed in the factory and 53 of them were said to have been present at the site. Seven Indians have been hospitalised, with four in critical condition. Thirty-four Indians survived the blast, as per the details released by the Indian Embassy on Wednesday.

Have received further updates. There were 60 Indians employed in the factory. 53 of them were understood to be present at the factory and residential area at the time of the accident.

— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) December 4, 2019

According to a statement issued by the Sudanese government, the blast triggered fire in an industrial area because of which 23 people were killed. “Preliminary observations indicate a lack of safety measures and equipment at the factory, in addition to random storage of flammable materials,” a statement issued by the Sudanese government said. An investigation has been launched, it added. Meanwhile, Sudanese Prime Minister Abdallah Hamdok, now on a visit to the US, expressed his condolences for the victims and said that preliminary reports indicate the absence of necessary safety tools. “The random storage of flammable materials contributed to the continuation and expansion of the fire and the destruction of the factory completely,” he said in a statement from Washington. “The Council of Ministers will form a committee of inquiry to determine the responsibilities and avoid the recurrence of such unfortunate incidents in the future,” he was quoted as saying by Sudan Tribune portal.