RAIPUR: The death toll in the tragic boiler tube explosion at the Vedanta Power Plant in Singhanatarai village of Chhattisgarh's Sakti district has risen to 14, even as 20 labourers continue to battle for their lives in hospitals.
The horrific accident occurred around 2.30 p.m. on April 14 when a high-pressure boiler tube suddenly burst, releasing superheated steam at approximately 600 degrees Celsius.
At the time of the blast, 40 to 50 workers were on duty at the plant. Four labourers died on the spot, while several others suffered severe burns as the scalding steam engulfed the area, particularly affecting those who were having lunch or moving in open sections of the facility.
According to Sakti Superintendent of Police Prafulla Thakur, the death toll has risen to 14. Initially, reports indicated 10 deaths, but the number increased as more injured succumbed during treatment. Several labourers sustained injuries in the blast. While 20 are currently undergoing treatment in hospitals in Raigarh and other facilities, the condition of six remains critical. Rescue and relief operations by the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), police, and fire services continued late into the night.