Ten killed, over 23 injured in boiler blast at Vedanta power plant in Chhattisgarh’s Sakti

At least ten people were killed and more than 23 others injured in an explosion at a power plant in Chhattisgarh’s Sakti district on Tuesday, police said, adding that some workers are feared trapped at the site.

The incident occurred at a boiler unit of a Vedanta Limited power plant in Singhitarai.

Soon after receiving information, local administration and police teams rushed to the spot and launched rescue operations.

The injured have been shifted to nearby hospitals for treatment, while efforts are underway amid concerns that some workers may still be trapped.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief over the incident and announced an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh to the next of kin of the deceased.

How did PM Modi respond to the Chhattisgarh power plant tragedy?

He also said that the injured would be provided Rs 50,000 from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund.

"The mishap at a power plant in Sakti district, Chhattisgarh, is tragic. I extend my condolences to those who have lost their loved ones,” the PMO wrote on X.

“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," the post further read.

President Droupadi Murmu also expressed condolences over the loss of lives, saying she was "deeply saddened" by the tragedy.

"I am deeply saddened to learn about the deaths of people in a power plant in Sakti district of Chhattisgarh. My heartfelt condolences to the families who have lost their loved ones in this tragic accident. I pray for the speedy recovery of the injured," she said in a post on X.

What did the Vedanta power plant spokesperson say about the Sakti boiler explosion?

A spokesperson for the power plant said, "An unfortunate incident occurred at one of the boiler units at our Singhitarai plant on the afternoon of April 14, involving personnel from our sub-contractor, NGSL, which operates and maintains the unit.”

“Our immediate priority is to ensure the best possible medical assistance and treatment for all those affected,” the spokesperson added.

"We are extending full support to the injured and are closely coordinating with medical teams and local authorities. We are in the process of ascertaining details, and a thorough investigation has been initiated in coordination with our partner and relevant authorities," the spokesperson said.

Chhattisgarh’s former Deputy Chief Minister T. S. Singh Deo described the incident as "heartbreaking and distressing" and extended condolences to the affected families.

"The news of the horrific accident at the Vedanta Power Plant located in Singhitrai, Sakti, is extremely heartbreaking and distressing,” he wrote.

“Reports of the unfortunate deaths of several workers due to the boiler explosion and the serious injuries of many others are deeply troubling the heart. I pray to God to grant peace to the souls of the departed and provide strength to the affected families to bear this sorrow,” he added.

“Along with wishes for the speedy recovery of the injured, I express my deepest condolences to the grieving families during this difficult time," Deo wrote.

(With inputs from ANI)