9 killed, 15 injured in boiler blast at Chhattisgarh power plant

As the area around the boiler remains extremely hot, workers and staff have been evacuated from the vicinity, the SP said.

Published on: Apr 15, 2026, 07:09:41 IST

By Ritesh Mishra

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Nine workers were killed and 15 sustained injuries after a boiler exploded at a power plant in Chhattisgarh’s Sakti district on Tuesday, police said. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed condolence and announced ex gratia of ₹2 lakh to next of kin of deceased and ₹50,000 for injured.

Sakti: Smoke billows after an explosion at a power plant, in Chhattisgarh's Sakti district, Tuesday, April 14, 2026. (PTI)

According to preliminary information, the blast occurred in a boiler tube at the Vedanta Limited power plant in Singhitarai village in the afternoon, Sakti superintendent of police (SP) Prafull Thakur said. “Nine workers have died, and 15 have sustained injuries. Three victims were killed on the spot while the others succumbed to injuries at hospitals,” Thakur told reporters. The injured were undergoing treatment at hospitals in the neighbouring Raigarh district, the SP added.

As the area around the boiler remains extremely hot, workers and staff have been evacuated from the vicinity, the SP said, adding that rescue operations are still underway.

According to police, the identity of the deceased and injured workers was yet to be ascertained. The power plant management said in a statement: “An unfortunate incident occurred at one of the boiler units at our Singhitarai plant, involving personnel from our sub-contractor, NGSL (NTPC GE Power Services Limited), which operates and maintains the unit.”

The management said its immediate priority is to ensure the best possible medical assistance to those affected and that it is coordinating closely 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,” the statement said.

Chief minister Vishnu Deo Sai termed the incident “extremely tragic” and said the state government stands with the families of the deceased. Speaking to reporters in Raipur, he added that a probe will be conducted, and strict action will be taken against those found responsible.

State Congress chief Deepak Baij called the incident “extremely tragic,” and alleged that the accident was a result of negligence by the plant management and administration. Seeking a judicial probe, Baij alleged: “This is not an accident but a killing. Under BJP’s misgovernance, deaths in industrial accidents are not stopping.”

He also demanded compensation of ₹1 crore each for the families of the deceased and ₹50 lakh for the injured.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Ritesh Mishra
Ritesh Mishra is the State Correspondent for Chhattisgarh with Hindustan Times. He reports on Maoism, internal security, politics, mining, governance, and major developments shaping the state. Based in Raipur, he has covered Chhattisgarh since 2016, reporting extensively from the Bastar region and other conflict-affected areas. With nearly two decades of experience in journalism, Ritesh has built a reputation for ground reporting from some of India's most challenging terrains. His coverage spans Left-Wing Extremism, counter-insurgency operations, elections, tribal affairs, environmental issues, infrastructure, mining, and socio-economic developments. He has reported on major security operations, policy initiatives, wildlife crime, and the changing dynamics of conflict and development in Central India. Before moving to Chhattisgarh, Ritesh spent eight years reporting from Madhya Pradesh, covering politics, administration, crime, development, and social issues. Throughout his career, he has reported on various forms of extremism in Central India, combining field reporting with in-depth analysis to produce accurate, balanced, and impactful journalism. Prior to joining Hindustan Times, Ritesh worked with The Pioneer and The Free Press Journal, where he covered a wide range of beats and honed his skills in political, investigative, and field reporting. His reporting is marked by exclusive stories, extensive fieldwork, and a commitment to factual, on-the-ground journalism that brings complex issues to a wider audience.Read More

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