14 killed as boiler explodes at Vedanta plant in Chhattisgarh, probe ordered

At least 14 people, most of them laborers, were killed and 19 others injured after a boiler tube explosion at a Vedanta Limited power plant in Chhattisgarh’s Sakti district on April 15 afternoon.

Officials said superheated steam released from the blast engulfed workers gathered during their lunch break, causing multiple fatalities and severe burn injuries. A magisterial inquiry has been ordered into the incident.

Sakti Collector Amrit Vikas Topno said the administration has directed authorities to ensure the best possible treatment for all those injured.

The explosion occurred around 2.30 pm at Vedanta’s Singhitarai power plant. A senior district official said the pipeline rupture released steam at nearly 600 degrees Celsius.

“After the pipeline burst, superheated steam fell on workers who were having lunch. Others walking in open areas were also injured,” the official said.

In a statement, Vedanta Limited Chhattisgarh Thermal Power Plant confirmed the accident at Unit 1 boiler of its Singhitarai facility and said personnel linked to its business partner, NGSL, were involved.

“Our immediate priority is to ensure the best possible medical assistance and treatment for all those affected. We are extending full support to the injured and are coordinating closely with medical teams and local authorities,” the company said.

It added that details were being ascertained and a thorough investigation had been initiated in coordination with relevant authorities.

Ajit Naskar, a worker from West Bengal employed at the plant, said dozens of laborers were painting the premises when the blast occurred shortly after lunch.

“We had just resumed work when there was a sudden explosion and smoke spread everywhere. We were at a height of 17 metres. I was in one corner and hid inside a cupboard. Some people climbed down and ran,” he said.

Outside the plant, grieving families gathered as protests broke out. Chandra Sen Patel, whose father worked there as a housekeeper, said he died on the spot.

Sakti Superintendent of Police Prafull Thakur said rescue operations began after authorities shut down the boiler and allowed it to cool.

“Everyone trapped has been rescued,” he said.

Most of the injured have been admitted to hospitals in neighboring Raigarh district, while some were shifted to a private hospital in Bilaspur.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief over the tragedy and announced ex gratia assistance of ₹2 lakh from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund for the next of kin of each deceased, and ₹50,000 for the injured.

Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai described the incident as “extremely distressing and heart-wrenching”. He announced ₹5 lakh compensation for families of the deceased workers and ₹50,000 for the injured.

The Chief Minister said free treatment would be provided to all victims and assured a thorough and impartial investigation. “Whoever is found guilty in this matter will face the strictest possible action,” he said.