New Delhi: A tragic accident at a power plant in Chhattisgarh has claimed at least 20 lives, raising serious questions about industrial safety. The incident took place on April 14 at a Vedanta power facility located in Singitarai village under the Dabhra police station area in Sakti district.
According to police officials, a powerful boiler explosion occurred around 2:30 pm inside the plant. The blast was so intense that workers present nearby had no time to escape, leading to multiple deaths and several injuries.
Following the incident, the police registered an FIR against Vedanta chairman Anil Agarwal, plant manager Devendra Patel, and several other officials. Authorities have accused them of negligence and failure to follow safety standards.
Initial findings from technical experts and forensic teams suggest that a large amount of fuel had accumulated inside the boiler furnace. This caused excessive pressure to build up, which eventually led to the lower pipe bursting and triggering the explosion.
Rescue teams, along with local administration, rushed to the spot and carried out relief operations. Injured workers were shifted to nearby hospitals, while efforts were made to support affected families.
The state government has ordered a detailed investigation into the incident. Officials have also announced compensation for the families of the deceased and those injured. Labour and safety departments are now reviewing whether proper safety protocols were followed at the plant.
This incident has once again highlighted concerns over industrial safety practices in large-scale plants, especially in high-risk sectors like power generation. Authorities have said strict action will be taken against those found responsible after the investigation is completed.