Sakti

The death toll in the blast at the Vedanta Ltd power plant in Sakti district has risen to 16 after three more injured workers succumbed, police said on Wednesday.

The explosion took place on Tuesday afternoon at the company’s plant in Singhitarai village when a steel tube carrying high-pressure steam from the boiler to the turbine burst. Several workers suffered severe burn injuries.

According to officials, four workers died on the spot, while nine others succumbed soon after the incident. Three additional deaths were later reported, taking the toll to 16, said Prafull Thakur.

Officials said one worker died at a hospital in Raigarh, while two others died at a medical facility in Raipur.

Of the 18 injured workers, four are being treated in Raipur and 14 in hospitals in Raigarh district.

Vishnu Deo Sai announced compensation of Rs 5 lakh for the family of each deceased worker and Rs 50,000 for those injured.

Vedanta Power also announced Rs 35 lakh compensation for each deceased worker’s family, employment support, Rs 15 lakh for each injured worker, continuation of salaries until recovery, and counselling assistance, according to the plant management.

The chief minister ordered an inquiry by the Commissioner of Bilaspur division and said strict action would be taken against those found responsible.

Separately, the district administration has ordered a magisterial probe, while the company has launched an internal investigation.

Amrit Vikas Topno appointed the Sub-Divisional Magistrate of Dabhra to conduct the magisterial inquiry and submit a report within 30 days covering the cause of the blast, whether technical or human error was involved, and safety inspections conducted at the plant.

Meanwhile, the opposition Indian National Congress demanded an FIR against the plant management and a judicial inquiry.

State Congress communication wing head Sushil Anand Shukla alleged negligence by the management and accused the government of trying to shield those responsible. He also demanded Rs 1 crore compensation for families of the deceased and Rs 50 lakh for the injured.

The 1,200 MW coal-based thermal power project at Singhitarai, originally developed by Athena Chhattisgarh Power Ltd, began construction in 2009 but remained stalled between 2016 and 2022.

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Vedanta acquired the plant in 2022. One 600 MW unit was commissioned in August last year, while the second unit remains under construction.