11 dead, 22 injured in boiler explosion at Vedanta Power Plant in Chhattisgarh's Singhitarai
Sakti district SP Praful Thakur said, "11 people died and 22 injured in a boiler blast at Vedanta Power Plant in Singhi Tarai area of Sakti district. The injured have been taken to hospital in Raigarh."
At least 11 people died and 22 others were injured in a major boiler explosion at Vedanta Power Plant in Chhattisgarh's Sakti district (Singhitari village) which triggered panic and chaos in the locality. The explosion led to a stampede-like situation as workers rushed to escape to safer places, leaving around 30–40 workers seriously injured. Several of the injured, many in critical condition, and were rushed to nearby hospitals for immediate treatment. Officials are yet to confirm the exact cause of the explosion.
“11 dead and 22 injured in the boiler blast at Vedanta Power Plant in Singhi Tarai area of Sikri Hospital,” Sakti Collector Amirt Topno said.
PM Modi announces ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday announced an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh to the next of kin of the deceased in the boiler blast in Chhattisgarh's Sakti district, which claimed the lives of at least 9 people and injured at least 15.The Prime Minister has also announced that the injured will be provided Rs 50,000 from the PM National Relief Fund.In a post on X, the Prime Minister expressed condolences towards the incident and stated that the local administration is assisting those affected."The mishap at a power plant in Sakti district, Chhattisgarh, is tragic. I extend my condolences to those who have lost their loved ones. May the injured recover at the earliest. The local administration is assisting those affected. An ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh from PMNRF would be given to the next of kin of each deceased. The injured would be given Rs. 50,000," PMO wrote in the post.
Emergency response teams rush to spot
Soon after reciving the news, emergency response teams and local administration officials rushed to the spot started the rescue operations.
As per the preliminary information, the accident was reported at 2 pm. At the time of the explosion, all the workers were inside the plant and were working. The sudden explosion created panic in the entire premises, however, the relief and rescue operations have been started immediately after the incident.
Here’s what the power plant said on the incident
On the incident, a spokesperson from the power plant said, "An unfortunate incident occurred at one of the boiler units at our Singhitarai plant on the afternoon of 14 April 2026, involving personnel from our sub-contractor, NGSL, which operates and maintains the unit. 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 closely coordinating with medical teams and local authorities. We are in the process of ascertaining details, and a thorough investigation has been initiated in coordination with our partner and relevant authorities.Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with the families of those affected during this difficult time."
(Report: Sikandar Khan)