Jaipur: Two workers died of suffocation and four others were injured after a fire broke out at a gold melting and processing unit in Sitapura Industrial Area’s Special Economic Zone-II Thursday afternoon.The fire erupted around 1 pm at Ideal Physical Services Ltd, sending thick smoke through the premises and triggering panic as several employees were trapped inside.The deceased were identified as Rajneesh (19) of Chandauli district in Uttar Pradesh, and Saraswati (45) of Rewa in Madhya Pradesh.“None of them had any major fire injury as it appears they died of suffocation. The exact cause of death would be ascertained only after the post-mortem,” a police officer said.Police identified the injured workers as Ajay Pal (26) of Bareilly in Uttar Pradesh, Lal Mohan (20) of West Midnapore in West Bengal, and Sandeep Singh (19) and Babul (32), both from Rewa.According to preliminary information, the fire may have been caused by sparking in an electricity-powered furnace. Deputy commissioner of police (south) Rajarshi Raj Verma said the fire was contained with the help of two fire tenders, but smoke left some workers gasping and suffocating.“We will investigate the matter to ascertain the reason behind the fire and death of the workers,” Verma said.Police said the situation worsened after smoke spread through the unit. The factory reportedly had sensor-based locking mechanisms that were engaged automatically following the incident, leaving workers trapped inside the smoke-filled building. Six workers fell unconscious due to suffocation.An officer said police and firefighters used a JCB machine to break through a wall to reach those trapped inside.All six workers were taken to Mahatma Gandhi Hospital, where two died, while the remaining four were admitted for treatment. Police said one of the injured workers was in critical condition and has been kept in the ICU.Investigators are expected to examine the circumstances leading to the fire, including the suspected electrical fault, the factory’s locking mechanism and emergency evacuation arrangements.Further details about the cause of the fire and possible safety lapses are awaited.
