Three workers die at a factory that makes iPhone parts in India

Three contract workers died after breathing gas while inspecting a tank at a Tata Electronics factory in India that makes iPhone components. Reuters reported the deaths, and 9to5Mac followed up. Apple's team is visiting the plant to help with the investigation.

What happened

The plant is in Hosur, in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. District official Dinesh Kumar said the workers were doing maintenance on a wastewater treatment plant run by Nalco Water at the site. They died after inhaling gas while inspecting an outside filtration tank. Tata and Tamil Nadu authorities are also investigating.

Production was not affected. The plant was closed this week for Deepavali, a Hindu festival. Apple did not respond to Reuters when asked for comment.

Why it matters

India is now a major place where iPhones are made. Roughly a quarter of the world's iPhones are built there, and Tata plays a big part. Earlier this year, the same Tata facility drew a separate complaint. Allegations said its wastewater had contaminated nearby farmland water. Tata said the regulator dropped further action after the company addressed the concerns. Local health officials were still looking into farmers' complaints afterward.

The material does not say which gas was involved or what caused it. It also does not say whether Apple will change anything. Those answers will likely come from the investigations.