The death toll in the boiler explosion at a Vedanta Limited power plant in Chhattisgarh’s Sakti district has risen to 14, with around 20 workers still undergoing treatment, several of them in critical condition, following one of the state’s worst recent industrial disasters.
The incident took place around 2.30 pm on Tuesday at the company’s thermal power facility in Singhitarai, when a high-pressure steam pipe connected to the boiler reportedly burst with tremendous force. The explosion triggered severe burns and chaos at the site, where many workers were engaged in maintenance and painting work.
Four workers died on the spot, while others later succumbed to injuries in hospital. Authorities have confirmed that nearly 30 workers in total were affected in the blast.
Rescue and official response
Sakti Superintendent of Police Praful Thakur said the situation is now under control, adding that search operations have ruled out the possibility of anyone being trapped.
“So far, 14 people have died and 20 are under treatment across hospitals. Five have been referred for advanced care,” he said, noting that detailed checks were conducted at the site after the explosion.
Cause of blast under investigation
Preliminary findings suggest the explosion was triggered by a leak in a high-pressure steam line linked to the boiler unit. The resulting blast caused extensive damage and panic among workers present inside the facility.
Eyewitnesses described the explosion as extremely powerful. A worker from West Bengal said it felt “like a missile had landed,” recounting how thick smoke quickly engulfed the area immediately after the blast.
Compensation and probe ordered
Vishnu Deo Sai called the incident “extremely tragic” and announced ex gratia compensation for victims’ families, alongside financial assistance for the injured. He also ordered a high-level inquiry into the incident.
The district administration has initiated a separate magisterial probe, while Vedanta has launched an internal investigation in coordination with its sub-contractor NGSL (NTPC GE Power Services Ltd).
Sakti Collector Amrit Vikas Topno said the priority is now medical support and relief for affected families, adding that compensation and treatment costs will be covered by the plant management.
Plant background
The 1,200 MW coal-based thermal power project was originally developed by Athena Chhattisgarh Power Ltd and later acquired by Vedanta in 2022. One 600 MW unit has been operational since last year, while the second is still under construction.
Heavy security remains deployed at the site as grieving families gather outside hospitals awaiting updates on their loved ones.
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