Chhattisgarh, April 15: The death toll in the boiler explosion at a Vedanta power plant in Chhattisgarh has risen to 14, with at least 20 workers still undergoing treatment, several of them in critical condition, as authorities ordered a high-level probe into the incident that has raised fresh concerns over industrial safety.
The accident occurred on April 14 at around 2.30 p.m. in Singhanatarai village of Sakti district, when a high-pressure boiler tube at the Vedanta Limited plant suddenly burst, releasing superheated steam estimated at nearly 600 degrees Celsius. The blast engulfed a large section of the facility, severely affecting workers present at the site.
According to officials, between 40 and 50 labourers were on duty at the time of the explosion. Four workers died on the spot, while several others sustained extensive burn injuries. Many of the victims were reportedly in open areas of the plant or taking a lunch break when the scalding steam spread rapidly.
Superintendent of Police Prafulla Thakur confirmed that the death toll rose from initial reports of 10 to 14 as more injured workers succumbed during treatment. Around 20 labourers are currently being treated at hospitals in Raigarh and nearby regions, with at least six in a critical state.
Rescue and relief operations were carried out by teams from the State Disaster Response Force, police, and fire services, continuing late into the night to evacuate victims and secure the site.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep grief over the loss of lives and extended condolences to the families of the deceased.
Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai described the incident as “extremely tragic and heart-wrenching,” announcing financial assistance of ₹5 lakh for the families of those who died and ₹50,000 for the injured. He also directed officials to ensure free and proper medical treatment for all those affected.
In addition to the state relief package, both the Centre and the state government announced a compensation of ₹7 lakh for the families of the deceased, underscoring the seriousness of the incident.
The Chief Minister has ordered the Commissioner of the Bilaspur division to conduct a detailed inquiry into the explosion and has assured strict action against those found responsible for any lapses.
Former Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel termed the incident unfortunate and recalled a similar tragedy at a power plant in Korba that had claimed dozens of lives in the past. He demanded the immediate formation of an inquiry committee and stringent action against those accountable.
Preliminary assessments suggest that overheating in the boiler tube may have triggered the explosion, though officials have stated that the exact cause will be determined through a comprehensive investigation.
The incident has sent shockwaves across the state’s industrial belt, raising concerns over adherence to safety protocols in thermal power plants and the preparedness of facilities to handle high-risk operations.
Experts note that boiler explosions, though relatively rare, can be catastrophic due to the extreme temperatures and pressures involved, often resulting in severe casualties if safety systems fail or are bypassed.
As investigations continue, authorities are expected to examine maintenance records, safety audits, and operational procedures at the plant to identify any negligence or systemic failures.
The tragedy has once again brought the spotlight on industrial safety standards, with calls for stricter enforcement and regular monitoring to prevent such incidents in the future.
With several injured workers still battling for their lives, the focus remains on medical response and accountability, as the state grapples with one of its most severe industrial accidents in recent years.
