A widow from the Toronto area is sharing her story, two weeks after her husband lost his life in an industrial accident in Richmond Hill. Jon Woodward reports.
A widow from the Toronto area is speaking out, two weeks after her husband was killed in an industrial incident in Richmond Hill, as officials from Ontario’s Ministry of Labour continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding his death.
Kamal Kumar, who worked as a millwright at Gamma Foundries, died when a large sand mixing machine he was inside was activated. He leaves behind an 11-year-old son and a wife and mother whom he supported, according to his wife, Anu Rani.
“He just gave happiness to everyone, everyone,” Rani said through tears during an interview at their home in Brampton.
“I lost that man who is my whole life.”
Kamal Kumar and Anu Rani, son Kiyan A family photo showing Kamal Kumar, Anu Rani, and their 11-year-old son Kiyan. (Supplied)
CTV’s helicopter footage from August 25 captured police, firefighters, and Ministry of Labour inspectors at Gamma Foundries located at 115 Newkirk Rd., east of Yonge Street between Major Mackenzie Drive East and Elgin Mills Road West. News about Kumar’s tragic death quickly spread among friends.
“He was trying to get information about a replacement part because he had a contractor standing by next to him,” said one friend, Sam Sharma.
That’s when Kumar went inside the machine-about two stories tall-to check on the part around 10:30 in the morning.
Gamma Foundries Richmond Hill Aug. 25 industrial accident Firefighters arrive at Gamma Foundries shortly after a deadly industrial incident.
Company Hiring Consultant
Gamma Foundries’ president, Ryan Bishop, stated that they are cooperating with the Ministry of Labour’s investigation while also looking into whether any additional safety technology could have prevented this tragedy.
“It’s a worst-case scenario. It’s weighed heavily on me,” he said.
“We’re bringing in a consulting company to see what else we can do better.”
Gamma Foundries does not appear on Ontario government websites that detail sanctions or penalties related to workplace safety issues.
“The investigation is still ongoing. As such there are no updates at this time,” read a statement from the Ministry of Labour.
Kamal Kumar memorial A memorial for Kamal Kumar is pictured. Kumar was killed in an industrial accident in Richmond Hill on Aug. 25.
Safety Concerns Raised by Expert
According to figures from the Ministry of Labour, fewer people are dying in Ontario’s industrial workplaces-from a peak during COVID-19 with 48 deaths in 2021-2022 down to 28 reported deaths for 2024-2025. However, critical injuries within those workplaces have increased from about 1,500 to nearly 2,200 during this same period.
Professor Emeritus Eric Tucker from Toronto Metropolitan University warned against jumping to conclusions about workplace safety improvements since other studies indicate little change over decades regarding incident rates.
The type of accident that led to Kumar’s death has persisted despite advancements in policies and technology over time.
“It’s a very old-fashioned type of accident-one that’s happened for decades. Procedures should have been established using something called lockout procedures to prevent it,” explained Tucker.
“Typically that would involve someone entering such spaces putting a physical lock on the control box so only they would have access.”
Victim Worked Under Pressure as Temporary Worker
Sharma noted that Kumar was working under a permit from India connected to his job at Gamma Foundries which likely added pressure for him to meet work demands even if he felt exhausted.
He expressed hope that investigators will consider this factor regarding his friend’s passing-a sentiment echoed by Tucker.
“Many advocates for temporary foreign workers highlight how their status brings numerous vulnerabilities at work; if it’s overlooked during investigations I’d view that as negligence,” stated Sharma.
Rani has health issues affecting her kidneys which limit her ability to work full-time and she worries about their future without her husband by her side. She also mentioned they have pending application for permanent residency in Canada.
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