Massive blast at Singhitarai facility leaves 10 dead and 30–40 injured; Prime Minister ₹2 lakh & CM ₹5 lakh ex-gratia announces for kin of deceased; Chief Minister orders magisterial probe as relief operations continue under tight administrative supervision.
TFP Bureau, Raipur/Sakti, April 14,2026:
At least 10 workers were killed and several others injured after a massive boiler explosion at the Vedanta Power Plant on Tuesday afternoon, triggering panic and large-scale rescue operations in the industrial facility located in the Singhitarai area of Sakti district.
According to officials, the accident occurred around 2 pm when a boiler inside the plant suddenly exploded while workers were on duty. The powerful blast shook the facility, sending thick smoke across the premises and causing chaos as employees scrambled for safety.
Initial reports indicated that around 30 to 40 labourers were injured in the incident. Police confirmed that 10 workers lost their lives, with four dying on the spot while six others succumbed to their injuries during treatment at hospitals.
Injured Shifted to Hospitals
Several injured workers were rushed to hospitals in nearby Raigarh for emergency treatment. Officials said that many critically injured workers were admitted to Fortis Hospital, while others were shifted to the government-run Raigarh Medical College Hospital.
Hospital sources said some victims suffered severe burn injuries and trauma due to the impact of the blast. Medical teams were deployed immediately to provide emergency care.
Superintendent of Police Prafulla Kumar Thakur confirmed the fatalities and said the condition of several injured workers remained critical.
Massive Rescue Operation
Soon after the explosion, district authorities launched a swift rescue and relief operation. Sakti Collector Amrit Vikas Topno and senior police officials rushed to the site to oversee the response.
Ambulances, fire brigade units, and medical teams were deployed to evacuate the injured and secure the area. Officials said the situation was brought under control after emergency teams reached the plant.
Eyewitnesses from nearby villages reported hearing a loud blast followed by plumes of smoke rising from the facility. A large crowd gathered outside the plant gate as rescue operations continued inside the premises.
Probe Ordered Into Accident
Authorities have ordered a detailed investigation into the cause of the accident. Preliminary assessments suggest the possibility of a technical malfunction or lapses in safety protocols, though officials said the exact cause will be determined only after a thorough inquiry.
A magisterial probe has been ordered by the district administration to examine the circumstances leading to the explosion.
Separately, Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai has directed the Bilaspur Division Commissioner’s Office to conduct a comprehensive inquiry into the incident and submit a report.
The Chief Minister also instructed authorities to review safety measures across industrial units in the state to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Condolences From PM and CM
The Prime Minister announced an ex-gratia payment of ₹2 lakh from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund to the next of kin of each deceased worker, while those injured would receive ₹50,000.
Chief Minister Sai also expressed grief over the loss of lives, describing the incident as “extremely painful and heartbreaking.” He paid tribute to the deceased workers and prayed for the speedy recovery of those injured.
Compensation Announced
The state government announced financial assistance of ₹5 lakh for the families of each deceased worker and ₹50,000 for those injured in the accident.
The Chief Minister directed officials to ensure that all injured workers receive free and proper medical treatment and warned that any negligence in providing relief would not be tolerated.
He said the state government stands firmly with the affected families and will ensure that relief, rehabilitation, and medical assistance are provided on priority.
Focus on Industrial Safety
Officials said the incident has once again highlighted the importance of strict adherence to industrial safety standards in large-scale power plants and manufacturing units.
The state government has ordered a review of safety protocols across industrial establishments to ensure that such tragedies do not recur.
Meanwhile, rescue teams and administrative officials continued monitoring the situation at the plant site as investigations into the cause of the explosion got underway.
