Daijiworld Media Network - Chhattisgarh

Chhattisgarh, Apr 14: A devastating industrial accident at a power facility in Singhitaria village of Sakti has left at least nine workers dead and over 20 others critically injured after a boiler tube explosion at the Vedanta Limited power plant on Tuesday.

The blast reportedly occurred around 2 p.m. when nearly 40 to 50 labourers were working at the site, triggering panic and chaos as workers attempted to escape the sudden explosion. Preliminary information suggests the incident was caused by a boiler tube rupture, though officials have said the exact cause is still under investigation.

Sakti Superintendent of Police Praful Thakur confirmed that the death toll has risen to nine, while more than 20 injured workers have been rushed to nearby hospitals, with several in critical condition. Some of the severely injured have been referred to advanced medical facilities, including hospitals in Raigarh.

Chhattisgarh Industry and Commerce Minister Lakhan Lal Dewangan expressed deep sorrow over the incident, calling it heartbreaking and directing district and departmental officials to ensure urgent rescue, relief, and medical assistance for the affected workers.

Following the explosion, police, fire services, and district administration teams launched large-scale rescue operations, with senior officials including the District Collector monitoring efforts on the ground. Authorities are working to remove debris and locate any workers still trapped inside the facility.

An official inquiry has been ordered to determine whether there was any negligence or violation of safety protocols at the plant. The incident has once again raised serious concerns over industrial safety standards in hazardous workplaces across the region.

Vedanta Limited has not yet issued an official statement regarding the tragedy, while authorities have assured support for the families of the deceased and injured as rescue operations continue.