Sonapur, July 3, 2025: A devastating industrial accident at the Star Cement factory in Samata, Sonapur, early Wednesday morning has left the region in shock. The tragedy claimed the life of a 25-year-old engineer, Shiva Tiwari from Madhya Pradesh, and left several workers critically injured, raising serious concerns about workplace safety protocols at the cement manufacturing facility.
The incident took place inside the coal crusher section of the factory’s first operational plant, commonly referred to as the old unit. According to eyewitness reports and preliminary information, Shiva Tiwari was on duty when he accidentally fell into the crusher machine. A mechanical malfunction reportedly triggered the release of searing hot coal particles, which struck his body and caused severe thermal injuries. He was immediately rushed to Sonapur District Hospital but succumbed to his injuries shortly after arrival.
Three other workers—Prasanna Medhi (38), Satya Sarkar, and Ranjit Bordoloi (30)—also sustained serious injuries during the mishap. Of these, Medhi’s condition is reported to be critical, and he has been admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of a private hospital in Guwahati. The other two injured workers are also receiving treatment at the same facility. While unofficial sources suggest that up to five workers may have been injured, no confirmation has been released by the authorities or factory management.
Following the horrific event, chaos erupted at the factory site, and emergency response teams rushed to manage the situation. District officials reached Sonapur District Hospital soon after the victims were brought in. Tiwari’s body was later transported to Guwahati for post-mortem examination.
What has further intensified the public’s anguish is the apparent silence of Star Cement’s management regarding the accident. No official statement has been released by the company, sparking outrage among local residents, labor rights organizations, and the families of the victims. Allegations have surfaced that basic safety equipment was missing and necessary safety measures were ignored, contributing directly to the fatal incident.
