NHRC notice to Centre, Gujarat over deaths in gas explosion

New Delhi, July 11 (IANS) The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) Friday asked the union shipping ministry and the Gujarat government to explain the five deaths in a gas explosion at Alang ship-breaking yard in Gujarat.

At least 10 people were injured in the explosion in a chemical tanker triggered by a suspected gas leak June 28 in Bhavnagar district.

"The NHRC has issued a notice to the secretary, union ministry of shipping, and chief secretary, the government of Gujarat, calling for factual reports within two weeks," said a statement.

"Reportedly, the Alang port is one of the largest ship-breaking ports in the world and most of the ships which are brought to this port may have large quantities of gas, arsenic and other hazardous materials that can cause severe damage to mankind as well as environment around," it said.