A powerful boiler blast at Vedanta Limited thermal power plant in Chhattisgarh’s Sakti district on Tuesday left at least 13 workers dead and 21 others severely injured, in one of the worst industrial accidents in the state in recent years. Officials hinted at the possibility of the toll rising, as several victims are in a critical condition.
The explosion occurred around 2.30 pm at unit number 1in the plant, located in Singhitarai village, triggering panic and confusion. Police and administrative officials rushed to the site, while fire tenders and rescue teams began evacuation and relief operations.
Police said the explosion was likely caused by a tube rupture that led to a high-pressure steam leak, before triggering a blast in the coal-fired boiler system. Collector Amrit Vikas Topno and SP Prafull Thakur said that 34 workers had suffered severe burns, of whom 13 succumbed, while 21 are undergoing treatment.