At least 14 workers were killed and more than 20 were injured in a massive explosion that occurred at Vedanta’s power plant in Sakti district of Chhattisgarh on Tuesday. Reacting to the incident Vedanta Chairman Anil Agarwal said, “I am deeply anguished by the extremely tragic accident that occurred at the Singhtirai plant in Chhattisgarh.”
Agarwal conveyed his condolences to the victims and their families, saying the company stands firmly with them during this difficult time. “Every person affected in this incident is part of my family. Your tears are mine, your pain is my own,” he said. Agarwal ensured a thorough and detailed internal investigation that will determine the exact cause of the explosion, adding that all procedures will be followed and every effort made to uncover what led to the accident.
Current death toll
The boiler pipeline blast at Prasanta Power Limited has turned into a major tragedy, with the current death toll reaching 14 and around 33 workers reported injured. The accident occurred after a pipeline carrying superheated steam from the boiler burst. Sakti district collector Amrit Vikas Topno said the injured were rushed to Fortis Hospital, where they are being provided treatment and “every possible medical facility” is being arranged by the state administration. Stressing the need for a humane response, Topno said, “our main objective in this matter is to show sensitivity.”
On compensation, the company management has agreed to provide Rs 35 lakh to the families of the deceased, Rs 15 lakh to the injured, cover their treatment expenses, and offer a job to one family member of each deceased worker. The state government has also announced compensation separately. “At present, our main effort is to save as many of the affected workers as possible and ensure justice for them,” he said. A magisterial inquiry has also been announced to determine “what the facts were and what factors led to such an incident,” so that responsibility can be fixed and the cause of the blast fully established.
PM Modi announces ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh for kin of deceased
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday announced ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh for the kins of deceased and Rs 50,000 for the injured in Chhattisgarh boiler blast. The PM took to X tand offered condolences to the bereaved families and wished a speedy recovery to those who were hurt. He also noted that the local administration is providing necessary support to the affected people.
“The mishap at a power plant in Sakti district, Chhattisgarh, is tragic. I extend my condolences to those who have lost their loved ones. May the injured recover at the earliest. The local administration is assisting those affected. An ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh from PMNRF would be given to the next of kin of each deceased. The injured would be given Rs. 50,000,” he said.
How did the accident happen?
Officials have told PTI that the explosion occurred in a steam-carrying tube connected to the boiler system. However it is still not know why the explosion occurred. A district official as quoted by The Indian Express, stated that “superheated steam with a temperature of around 600 degrees” fell on workers after the pipeline burst. Some were having lunch at around 2:30 pm where there was a massive blast and thick smoke spread everywhere.” He further added that the felt like “a missile had landed.”
Vedanta’s official statement
In an official statement as quoted by PTI, the company said, “An unfortunate incident occurred at Unit-1 boiler” of its Singhitarai plant, involving personnel from its sub-contractor, NGSL. The company mentioned that “its immediate priority is to ensure the provision of best possible medical assistance and treatment” and that is “extending full support to the injured” while coordinating with medical teams and authorities. It also said that a detailed probe has been initiated.
What action has been taken?
The Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai called the incident “extremely tragic” and announced Rs 5 lakh for the families of the deceased and Rs 50,000 for the injured. He also ordered an inquiry and said the “strictest possible action” would be taken if anyone was found guilty. According to a PMO post shared on X, Prime Minister Narendra Modi termed the mishap “tragic” and announced Rs 2 lakh from PMNRF for the next of kin of each deceased and Rs 50,000 for the injured.