A major industrial accident at a Vedanta thermal power plant in Chhattisgarh’s Singhitarai area of Sakti district has resulted in the deaths of at least 14 workers, with around 20 others still undergoing treatment, many of them in critical condition. The incident, which occurred on Tuesday afternoon, is being described as one of the most severe industrial disasters in recent times.
The explosion took place at approximately 2:30 pm when a high-pressure steam tube connected to the boiler system reportedly burst with tremendous force. The blast occurred in the section where steam is transferred from the boiler to the turbine, causing widespread destruction and severe burn injuries to workers present at the site. Many of those affected were reportedly engaged in maintenance and painting work at the time.
Initial reports indicate that four workers died instantly at the scene, while several others later succumbed to their injuries in hospitals. In total, nearly 30 workers were injured in the explosion. Authorities have confirmed that 14 fatalities have been recorded so far, and around 20 injured individuals continue to receive medical care, with five of them referred for advanced treatment.
According to Sakti Superintendent of Police Praful Thakur, rescue operations continued for several hours to ensure no workers were trapped. Preliminary assessments suggest that all personnel have been accounted for, though detailed inspections were conducted to rule out any possibility of additional victims.
Early findings point to a leak in the high-pressure steam pipeline as the likely cause of the explosion. The sudden rupture led to an intense release of energy, resulting in extensive damage and chaos at the site. Eyewitnesses described the blast as extremely powerful, with one worker stating that it felt like a missile strike, followed by thick smoke and panic across the facility.
Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai described the incident as deeply tragic and announced financial assistance of ₹5 lakh for the families of those who lost their lives and ₹50,000 for the injured. He has also ordered a high-level investigation by the Bilaspur divisional commissioner, assuring that strict action will be taken against those found responsible.
In addition, the district administration has initiated a separate magisterial inquiry. Vedanta has also launched an internal investigation in coordination with its contractor, NGSL (NTPC GE Power Services Ltd), whose personnel were working at the site during the incident.
Local authorities have outlined compensation measures, including ₹35 lakh and a job for the families of deceased workers, and ₹15 lakh for those injured. Medical expenses for the injured are being covered by the plant management. Vedanta, in its official statement, confirmed that 24 workers employed by its contractor were affected and stated that its immediate priority is to ensure proper medical care and support for the victims and their families.
The power plant, a 1,200 MW coal-based project originally developed by Athena Chhattisgarh Power Ltd and acquired by Vedanta in 2022, has one operational unit while the second remains under construction.
Security has been tightened around the site, and families of the victims have gathered outside hospitals, awaiting updates as authorities continue their investigation into the cause of the tragedy.
