Source NDTV
KORBA – A massive explosion at a power plant operated by Vedanta-owned Bharat Aluminium Company (BALCO) has left at least 10 workers dead and 40 others seriously injured. The incident occurred late Tuesday afternoon in the Korba district of Chhattisgarh, sending shockwaves through the industrial hub.
The blast took place in one of the under-construction units of the thermal power facility. According to eyewitness accounts, a boiler exploded with such force that it caused a partial collapse of the surrounding structure, trapping several workers under the debris.
Rescue Operations and Casualties
Local authorities and plant emergency teams rushed to the site immediately following the blast. While 10 fatalities have been confirmed, officials fear the death toll could rise as several of the injured remain in critical condition.
Injured: 40 workers are currently receiving treatment at nearby hospitals.
Critical Care: At least 12 individuals have been shifted to specialized burn units due to the severity of their injuries.
Search Efforts: Rescue teams are continuing to clear rubble to ensure no personnel remain trapped beneath the mangled steel and concrete.
Government Response and Investigation
The Chhattisgarh state government has expressed deep condolences to the families of the deceased and has ordered a high-level inquiry into the cause of the explosion.
“We have directed the district administration to provide the best possible medical care to the injured. A thorough investigation will be conducted to determine if there were lapses in safety protocols,” a state spokesperson said.
Vedanta/BALCO management issued a brief statement confirming the incident and asserting that their primary focus remains on the rescue operations and supporting the affected families.
Safety Concerns Re-emerge
This incident has sparked immediate protests from local labor unions and family members, who allege that safety standards were compromised to meet construction deadlines. Industrial safety experts are expected to arrive at the site tomorrow to begin a forensic analysis of the boiler unit to identify whether the cause was a mechanical failure or human error.
The Korba district remains on high alert as the community mourns one of the deadliest industrial accidents the region has seen in recent years.
