Death Toll Rises to 14 in Vedanta Plant Explosion

SAKTI (CHHATTISGARH), Apr 15: The death toll in the blast at a Vedanta Ltd power plant in Chhattisgarh’s Sakti district has risen to 14 after another worker succumbed to injuries, police said on Wednesday.

The explosion occurred Tuesday afternoon in a steel tube carrying high-pressure steam from the boiler to the turbine at the plant in Singhitarai village, leaving several workers with severe burn injuries. Four workers died on the spot, while others later succumbed during treatment.

One more worker died on the intervening night of Tuesday and Wednesday, taking the toll to 14, Superintendent of Police Prafull Thakur said.

Of the 20 injured, five have been shifted to Raipur for advanced treatment, while 15 are undergoing treatment at hospitals in Raigarh district, he added.

Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai announced ₹5 lakh compensation for families of the deceased and ₹50,000 for the injured, and ordered an inquiry by the Bilaspur division commissioner, assuring strict action against those responsible.

A separate magisterial probe has also been ordered by the district administration, while the company has initiated an internal investigation. The Chief Minister directed officials to ensure free and proper treatment for the injured.

Sakti Collector Amrit Vikas Topno has appointed the SDM of Dabhra to conduct the magisterial inquiry, with a report to be submitted within 30 days detailing the cause of the accident, including possible technical or human error, and safety inspection records.

Meanwhile, the opposition Indian National Congress has demanded an FIR against the plant management and a judicial probe. State Congress communication wing head Sushil Anand Shukla alleged negligence by the management and accused the government of shielding those responsible.

He also sought compensation of ₹1 crore for families of the deceased and ₹50 lakh for the injured.

The 1,200 MW coal-based thermal power project at Singhitarai, originally owned by Athena Chhattisgarh Power Ltd, began in 2009 but remained stalled between 2016 and 2022. Vedanta acquired it in 2022, completing and commissioning a 600 MW unit in August last year, while the second unit is under construction. (Agencies)