Chhattisgarh Boiler Blast Death Toll Rises to 14

The death toll in the boiler explosion at Vedanta Ltd’s power plant in Singhanterai village of Sakti district, Chhattisgarh, has risen to 14. The explosion occurred when a boiler tube carrying high-pressure steam to the turbine burst on Monday afternoon, causing severe burn injuries to dozens of workers.

Around 40 people were injured in the blast, with at least 15 reported to be in critical condition and undergoing treatment in hospitals in Raigarh and Bilaspur.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief over the loss of lives and announced an ex gratia payment of ₹2 lakh from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund for the families of each deceased worker, along with ₹50,000 for the injured. Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai also announced compensation of ₹5 lakh for the families of the deceased and ₹50,000 for injured workers, while ordering a divisional inquiry into the incident.

A separate magisterial probe has also been initiated, and authorities have been directed to review plant safety standards and ensure proper medical care for all injured workers.