One by one, three workers collapse and die at Apple assembly plant in India
Three contract workers died at a Tata Electronics factory that manufactures metal casings and back panels for Apple iPhones in India, The New Indian Express reports. Police suspect they inhaled toxic gas while carrying out maintenance work.
The incident occurred on 9 November at the company’s facility near Hosur in Tamil Nadu. Another Tata factory in the same industrial complex assembles finished iPhones for Apple.
The three men were cleaning and inspecting a nano-filtration tank used to treat industrial wastewater. One worker lost consciousness while examining the tank, while two others collapsed after attempting to help him.
A fourth worker raised the alarm. Emergency personnel took the men to a nearby hospital, where the three were pronounced dead.
The victims were identified as B Akmal, 28; M Sarathikumar, 25; and P Kaveri, 32. All three were employed by a maintenance contractor and came from Dharmapuri district.
Apple and Tata investigate the deaths
Apple and Tata have ordered investigations into the incident. The factory was closed for the Deepavali holiday when the accident occurred.
Nalco Water, part of US-based Ecolab, operated the wastewater treatment facility and had hired another contractor employing the three men.
Krishnagiri district collector C Dinesh Kumar said proper safety precautions had not been followed. Authorities are investigating the incident, while post-mortem examinations are expected to establish the exact cause of death.
Deeply saddened by the tragic loss of three precious lives in the incident at Tata Electronics’ facility in Hosur. My heartfelt condolences to the families who have lost their loved ones. I pray for strength and courage for them during this difficult time. I have spoken to the district administration and directed them to extend all necessary support to the affected families and ensure that the situation is addressed with utmost urgency. The safety and dignity of every worker must remain paramount. This tragic incident will be thoroughly investigated, and appropriate action will be taken based on the findings. We must ensure that every necessary measure is put in place to prevent such tragedies from recurring.
— Virudhai Magal Keerthana (@Keerthana4VNR) November 10, 2026
The factory has faced safety concerns before. In September 2024, a fire in a chemical storage area disrupted production and left 11 people suffering from smoke inhalation and other health problems.
Earlier in 2026, the facility also faced allegations that industrial wastewater had contaminated nearby agricultural wells. Tata said it had addressed the pollution regulator’s concerns, and authorities subsequently dropped further action.
