BMA Liquid Air Plant in Nagaland sealed after cylinder explosion kills one person

DIMAPUR — One person died after a cylinder at BMA Liquid Air Plant in Naga United village, Chümoukedima, exploded on Friday evening.

The victim, 32, identified as Chumbemo, was working in the oxygen refilling plant along with an operator on the fateful day, but the latter was not present at the time of the unfortunate incident. According to the Diphupar police, the explosion reportedly took place around 5 and 5:30 pm on Friday while the victim was refilling the oxygen cylinder. 

The victim, who has a 2-year-old child and expecting a second child in April, had been working at the BMA Liquid Air Plant for the past nine years.

The oxygen plant, which has been operating since August 5 2014, is owned by Imti Aier. The facility engages in refilling oxygen cylinders for private and government hospitals in the state.

The police said that a tense situation ensued at the premises of the oxygen plant following the news of the incident but the families of the victim and the owner came to an understanding.

No FIR has been filed in connection with the incident, said the police, while updating that the BMA Liquid Air Plant has been sealed and it would continue to remain so till a report from the expert is received.

“To verify and ascertain if there was any negligence on the part of the proprietor, we will need expert’s analysis and report from them. Only after that, necessary actions can be initiated,” the police said, adding that it might be possible only next week.

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