Worker dies after falling into vat of boiling jaggery at Indian factory

A 25-year-old factory worker died after accidentally falling into a vat of boiling jaggery at a plant in Maharashtra, India, after becoming dizzy and losing his balance.

Danish had been working at the jaggery factory for about four months after travelling from Uttar Pradesh with 15 other men in search of employment. He was reportedly trying to earn money to help his family repay a debt of 70,000 Indian rupees (£539).

Footage from the incident reportedly shows Danish standing near the edge of the large vessel before appearing to become dizzy and suddenly falling into the scalding liquid. He can be heard calling for help as shocked colleagues rush to his aid.

Workers initially attempted to pull him out using large ladles but were unable to free him. Several colleagues then moved closer to the vat and managed to drag him out despite the extreme heat.

Danish is believed to have remained trapped in the boiling jaggery for almost a minute. After being pulled to safety, workers laid him on the ground and called for water as he cried out in pain.

He suffered severe burns and was taken to hospital for treatment but died from his injuries.

Jaggery is a traditional unrefined sugar widely used in Indian cuisine. It is produced by boiling sugarcane juice until it thickens into a sticky, caramel-coloured substance.

Danish was from Mudi village in the Isanagar area of Lakhimpur Kheri district in Uttar Pradesh. He had been married for two years and leaves behind his wife and their two-month-old son, as well as his parents, elder brother and sister.

His elder brother, Guddu, was reportedly responsible for the debt Danish had travelled to Maharashtra to help repay.

Following the incident, Maharashtra Police conducted a post-mortem examination before his body was transported back to his home village.

Shamsher Bahadur Singh, a senior local police officer in Lakhimpur Kheri district, said: “No written complaint has been received against anyone in the matter so far.”

By Vafa Guliyeva