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Nine workers were killed when a waste-to-energy plant in western India experienced a collapse after heavy rains, according to the plant’s operator on Monday. The incident happened last Wednesday at the Antony Waste facility near Pune, when a massive pile of garbage from an adjacent landfill gave way, engulfing the administrative building and trapping 23 people inside.
The collapse was caused by continuous rains destabilizing the waste mound, severely damaging the structure where the workers were located. Of those trapped, nine lost their lives, while 14 others were rescued alive. Rescue efforts faced delays due to ongoing rainfall, which made reaching those buried under debris difficult.
The plant’s operations have been halted temporarily while structural integrity and safety are assessed. Experts indicate that climate change is contributing to more frequent and severe weather events across India, the world’s most populous country. Additionally, forecasters warn that a potentially strong El Niño this year could alter typical weather patterns, possibly leading to increased extreme weather activity in the region.
Accidents like these are common during India’s monsoon season from June to September, especially as aging and poorly maintained structures struggle under prolonged heavy rains.
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