Vedanta Plant Explosion Death Toll Rises to 24 as Injured Worker Succumbs
The tragic aftermath of the April 14 boiler explosion at Vedanta Ltd's power plant in Singhitarai village, Sakti district, has deepened with the death toll climbing to 24. Another injured worker succumbed to his injuries during treatment on Sunday evening, marking a somber escalation in one of Chhattisgarh's recent industrial disasters.
Victim Identified and Hospitalized Workers
The deceased has been identified as Manish Kumar, a resident of Uttar Pradesh, highlighting the interstate impact of the incident. Approximately 11 workers remain hospitalized following the explosion, with medical sources indicating that some are in critical condition, fighting for their lives in healthcare facilities.
Political Intervention and Demands for Probe
As the casualty count increased, political pressure mounted with Janjgir-Champa MP Kamlesh Jangde taking decisive action. The parliamentarian has written to three key Union ministers:
- Union Labour Minister Mansukh Mandaviya
- Power Minister Manohar Lal Khattar
- Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal
In his correspondence, Jangde has urgently sought their intervention and demanded a comprehensive high-level investigation into the circumstances surrounding the explosion, emphasizing the need for accountability and preventive measures.
Company Compensation and Support Measures
Amid growing scrutiny and public outcry, Vedanta Ltd has initiated substantial compensation measures for affected families. The company has announced:
- ₹35 lakh compensation to the kin of deceased workers
- ₹15 lakh compensation to families of injured workers
Company officials have detailed their ongoing support efforts, which include comprehensive medical care at hospitals in Raigarh, specialist consultations, and professional counselling services for traumatized families. A dedicated 24x7 helpline called Vedanta Samvedana Kendra has been established to provide continuous assistance.
Additionally, company teams have been dispatched to reach out to families residing outside Chhattisgarh, ensuring they receive necessary support. Vedanta representatives confirm they are assisting affected families with treatment arrangements, accommodation, and various other forms of support, noting that some injured workers have shown encouraging signs of improvement in their condition.
Official Inquiry and Preliminary Findings
At the state government level, the Bilaspur divisional commissioner has been formally tasked with conducting a thorough inquiry into the explosion. Authorities have directed the commissioner to submit a detailed report within 30 days, aiming to establish clear facts and responsibility.
Preliminary investigative inputs suggest the explosion originated in boiler unit-1, with initial indications pointing toward a possible technical fault in a water supply pipe joint connected to a high-pressure steam line. The sudden and violent blast trapped numerous workers at the site, resulting in multiple fatalities and severe injuries.
The incident continues to raise serious questions about industrial safety protocols and regulatory oversight in power plant operations across the region.
