SAKTI, April 14, 2026 (Agencies): At least nine workers were killed and 15 others injured following a massive boiler explosion at the Vedanta Power Plant in Singhitarai village, Sakti district, Chhattisgarh, on Tuesday afternoon.
The blast occurred around 2:00 PM IST, triggering panic among workers and causing extensive damage inside the facility. According to officials, three workers died on the spot, while six others succumbed to injuries in hospitals. Several of the injured remain in critical condition.
Sakti Superintendent of Police Prafull Thakur confirmed the death toll and said rescue operations are ongoing, with fears that more workers may be trapped inside. Emergency teams, including fire brigades and medical units, rushed to the site to assist survivors.
Eyewitnesses described scenes of chaos as workers scrambled to escape the plant following the explosion. The injured were taken to nearby hospitals in Sakti and Bilaspur, with some later shifted to specialized facilities for advanced treatment.
Chhattisgarh’s Industry and Commerce Minister expressed condolences to the victims’ families and pledged full support. “The government will ensure proper medical care for the injured and compensation for the families of those who lost their lives,” he said in a statement.
The Vedanta Limited?owned plant is one of the region’s key private power facilities. While the exact cause of the explosion is under investigation, preliminary reports suggest a boiler tube failure. Authorities have ordered a safety audit of the plant and promised strict action if negligence is found.
The tragedy has reignited debate over industrial safety standards in Chhattisgarh, a state with a high concentration of power and steel plants. Worker unions have demanded stronger oversight and accountability from private operators.