Chhattisgarh: Death toll rises to 24 in Vedanta power plant blast; preliminary findings point to possible lapses

The death toll in the blast at a Vedanta power plant in Chhattisgarh has risen to 24 after another injured worker succumbed to burns on Sunday.

Manish Kumar, a labourer from Jharkhand who was critically injured in the April 14 boiler explosion at the plant in Singhitarai village of Sakti district, died during treatment at Raigarh Medical College, officials said.

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A total of 36 workers had suffered severe burn injuries in the incident. Of those still undergoing treatment, three remain in critical condition, while 12 others are receiving care in hospitals.

Authorities said all injured workers are being given medical attention and support is being extended to the families of those who died.

Preliminary findings indicate that the explosion occurred in a tube carrying high-pressure steam from the boiler to the turbine. The Chief Boiler Inspector’s initial assessment points to possible lapses, including excessive fuel accumulation that may have led to a dangerous build-up of pressure.

Investigations have intensified, with multiple agencies examining the cause of the accident. An eight-member team from the Central Industrial Security Force visited the plant on April 18 and reviewed production logbooks for the previous two weeks. The team also examined records related to technical shutdowns over the past month.

Sources said the plant had reported several technical issues over the past year, including a shutdown around 10 days before the blast.

Officials have collected evidence from the site and recorded statements from management, workers and other staff. The administration said the exact cause will be determined after the final report is submitted.

The incident has raised fresh concerns over industrial safety standards and maintenance practices. Authorities said the ongoing probe will also suggest measures to prevent similar accidents in the future.