Two more workers have died after sustaining severe injuries in the boiler explosion at a Vedanta thermal power plant in Chhattisgarh’s Sakti district, taking the death toll to 23, officials said on Saturday.
The explosion occurred on April 14 at the plant in Singhtarai, leaving several workers critically injured. One of the victims died at Kalda Hospital in Raipur, while another succumbed at Raigarh Medical College. At least 12 workers remain under treatment, some of them in critical condition.
A preliminary report by the chief boiler inspector has identified the likely cause of the explosion as excessive accumulation of fuel inside the boiler furnace. This led to a rapid rise in pressure, dislodging a lower pipe and causing structural failure, which triggered the blast. The findings have been corroborated by the Forensic Science Laboratory in Sakti.
Officials said the malfunction resulted in a sudden release of heat and pressure, leaving workers little time to escape. Survivors recounted chaotic scenes, with colleagues attempting to rescue those trapped amid flames and debris.
Also read: Vedanta chairman booked in Chhattisgarh boiler blast case
The report has been submitted to the district administration and Dabhra police, who have registered a case under the direction of Superintendent of Police Prafull Thakur. Vedanta chairman Anil Agarwal, company manager Devendra Patel and other officials have been named in the FIR based on initial evidence suggesting negligence.
A central team is expected to visit the site to conduct a detailed investigation into the incident. Authorities said the final report will establish the sequence of events and fix responsibility.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi described the incident as tragic and expressed condolences to the bereaved families. He announced an ex gratia of Rs 2 lakh from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund for the next of kin of each deceased and Rs 50,000 for the injured.
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