Chhattisgarh’s Vedanta Sakti Blast: Toll Mounts to 16; PM Announces PMNRF Aid

The death toll in the boiler blast at a Vedanta power plant in Chhattisgarh’s Sakti district has risen to 16, officials said on Wednesday (April 15, 2026).

The blast occurred on Tuesday (April 14, 2026), at Vedanta Ltd.’s Singhitarai facility when a steel tube carrying high-pressure steam from the boiler to the turbine exploded, leaving several workers with severe burn injuries.

Sakti SP Praful Thakur confirmed the updated death toll on Wednesday, stating that “one more worker succumbed to injuries, taking the death toll to 16,” he told PTI.

Officials said, “Four workers died on the spot, while five of the injured were shifted to Raipur for advanced treatment. The remaining are undergoing treatment at hospitals in Raigarh district.”

Those who were present at the time described scenes of chaos. “It felt like a missile landed,” a worker said. The horrifying accident left several workers with serious burn injuries. Rescue operations were swiftly launched, and the injured were rushed to nearby hospitals, ANI reported.

Prime Minister, President Express Grief

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives and conveyed condolences to the bereaved families, wishing a speedy recovery to the injured, according to official sources.

“An ex gratia of Rs 2 lakh from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF) will be given to the next of kin of each deceased, while the injured will receive ₹50,000,” the Prime Minister added.

Later, President Droupadi Murmu also shared a post on X, expressing grief over the tragic incident and praying for the quick recovery of those injured.

Chhattisgarh CM Orders Probe into Vedanta Blast

Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai announced a relief grant of Rs 5 lakh for the families of each deceased worker and Rs 50,000 for the injured. He also ordered an investigation into the incident by the Commissioner of the Bilaspur Division, promising strict action against those found responsible.

The Chief Minister directed officials to ensure free and proper medical treatment for all the injured and stressed that no negligence in their care would be tolerated.

In addition, the district administration ordered a magisterial inquiry. Sakti Collector Amrit Vikas Topno has appointed the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) of Dabhra to conduct the inquiry and submit a report within 30 days.

The investigation will examine the cause of the accident, including whether it was caused by technical or human error, and review the safety audits of the facility.

Vedanta also launched an internal probe into the plant blast.

Vedanta stated it will provide Rs 35 lakh and employment support to the families of the deceased and Rs 15 lakh to the injured, along with salary continuation during recovery and counselling support.

Opposition Demands FIR, Judicial Probe into Vedanta Blast

Meanwhile, the opposition has demanded an FIR against the plant management and called for a judicial investigation. State Congress communication wing head Sushil Anand Shukla alleged negligence on the part of the management and accused the government of protecting those responsible for the incident.

He demanded compensation of Rs 1 crore for the families of the deceased and Rs 50 lakh for the injured.

Background of Vedanta’s Sakti Power Plant

The 1,200 MW coal-based thermal power project at Singhitarai, comprising two units of 600 MW each, was originally developed by Athena Chhattisgarh Power Ltd. Construction began in 2009 but remained stalled between 2016 and 2022 before operations resumed under Vedanta.