Officials suspect safety lapses in fatal fire at oil recycling firm in Edayar industrial area

A day after a major fire claimed the life of a worker at an oil recycling company in the Edayar industrial area, the Ernakulam district administration on Friday (March 27, 2026) expressed doubts over possible safety lapses on the part of the private firm.

Following a special meet to review the situation, District Collector G. Priyanka said there was prima facie indication of lapses. The police had been directed to investigate possible negligence on the part of the company, she said in an communication.

The Collector ordered the departments concerned to conduct joint inspections of such industrial establishments across the district within the next 10 days to prevent similar incidents in the future.

She also instructed the company management to provide immediate financial assistance of ₹5 lakh to the deceased worker’s family, bear the educational expenses of his children, and offer a job to his wife if she is willing. Steps will also be taken to ensure that the family receives all statutory benefits and compensation due under the law.

Officials from various departments and representatives of the company attended the meeting held in the Collector’s chamber.

Shatrughan Mukhya, a native of Bihar, was killed in the fire that broke out at Cee Gee Lubricants on Thursday (March 26, 2026) morning. It is learnt that the deceased had gone inside the facility to switch off a boiler. It took close to two hours for Fire and Rescue Services personnel to extinguish the flames.