Vedanta Power Plant Blast Claims 24 Lives: Inquiry Points to Fuel Accumulation, Leads to High-Profile FIR

Vedanta Power Plant Blast Claims 24 Lives: Inquiry Points to Fuel Accumulation, Leads to High-Profile FIR​

Casualties Mount as Blast at Vedanta Power Plant Grips Chhattisgarh​

The death toll from the massive blast at the Vedanta Ltd power plant in Chhattisgarh's Sakti district has tragically risen to 24. Officials confirmed the latest fatality on Sunday, following a devastating explosion that occurred at the facility in Singhitarai village.

The accident, which took place on April 14, resulted in multiple workers sustaining severe burn injuries. One fatality occurred recently when Manish Kumar, a worker originally from Sonbhadra, Uttar Pradesh, succumbed to his injuries at Raigarh medical college.

The timeline of casualties has been grim. Initially, officials reported that four workers died on the spot. Nine others later succumbed to their injuries. Over the next few days, seven additional workers died in hospitals on April 15, followed by another fatality on April 16.

Victims Hailing From Multiple States Identified​

The list of deceased personnel highlights the multi-state nature of the workforce affected by the industrial accident. The deceased include seven laborers from West Bengal and five from Chhattisgarh.

Casualties were also reported across several other states, including four workers from Jharkhand and four from Uttar Pradesh. Additionally, two workers each hailed from Bihar and Madhya Pradesh.

Eleven workers sustained injuries and are currently undergoing treatment across several hospitals in Raigarh and Raipur. Two of these individuals remain in critical condition, requiring intensive care.

Investigation Pinpoints Fuel Accumulation as Primary Cause​

Police and technical investigators are jointly investigating the precise cause of the catastrophic blast. The explosion originated in a steel tube that was carrying high-pressure steam from the boiler to the turbine.

A preliminary technical investigation conducted by police officials pointed to excessive fuel accumulation inside the boiler furnace. This buildup, they stated, led to a critical pressure build-up, which ultimately triggered the massive explosion.

Further confirming these findings, a report released by the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) in Sakti also concluded that the accumulation of fuel and the resulting excessive pressure were the primary causes of the blast.

Police Register FIR Naming High-Profile Group Members​

Authorities have registered an FIR under sections related to causing death by negligence and negligent conduct with machinery. Sakti Superintendent of Police Prafull Thakur confirmed that the FIR names several individuals.

Among those named are Vedanta Group Chairman Anil Agarwal and plant head Devendra Patel. Thakur added that if further responsibility is identified during the ongoing investigation, more names will be added to the case.

Government Launches Multiple Probes Into Incident​

In the wake of the tragedy, high levels of governmental action have been initiated to ensure accountability. Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai directed the Bilaspur divisional commissioner to conduct a thorough probe into the incident.

Furthermore, the Sakti district administration has separately ordered a magisterial probe. Meanwhile, the Opposition Congress has demanded that stricter charges, specifically culpable homicide not amounting to murder, be invoked in the case.