Sakti (Chhattisgarh): The death toll from the catastrophic boiler tube explosion at the Vedanta Power Plant in Chhattisgarh’s Sakti district has climbed to 16 on Wednesday, April 15, 2026. According to Sakti Superintendent of Police Prafull Thakur, three more workers succumbed to their injuries during the intervening night and early morning hours. Of the latest fatalities, one worker passed away at a hospital in Raigarh, while two others died at a specialized medical facility in the state capital, Raipur. Currently, 18 workers remain hospitalized, with four receiving treatment in Raipur and 14 in Raigarh.
The incident occurred at approximately 2:30 PM on Tuesday in the Singhitarai village facility, when a steel tube carrying superheated steam at nearly 600 degrees Celsius burst. The high-pressure steam rained down on workers, many of whom were reportedly starting their post-lunch shifts. The blast has left the remaining injured with severe burns, and the administration has prioritized advanced medical care, including airlifting the most critical patients to Raipur.
Comprehensive Compensation and Support Measures
In response to the tragedy, both the government and the plant management have announced substantial relief packages:
-
Vedanta Power: The company has announced a compensation of ₹35 lakh for the kin of each deceased worker, along with employment support for family members. For the injured, they have committed ₹15 lakh each and will continue to pay their full salaries until they recover.
-
State Government: Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai announced ₹5 lakh for the families of the deceased and ₹50,000 for the injured.
-
Central Government: Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced an ex-gratia of ₹2 lakh from the PMNRF for the next of kin and ₹50,000 for the injured.
Multiple Probes and Political Friction
Three separate investigations are currently underway to determine the cause of the explosion and identify any lapses in safety protocols. Sakti Collector Amrit Vikas Topno has appointed the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) of Dabhra to lead a magisterial inquiry, with a 30-day deadline to submit a detailed report. Simultaneously, the Commissioner of the Bilaspur division is conducting an administrative probe, while Vedanta has launched its own internal technical investigation in coordination with its sub-contractor, NGSL (NTPC GE Power Services Ltd).
The political atmosphere in the state remains tense as the Opposition Congress has stepped up its demands. Congress leaders, including State Communication Head Sushil Anand Shukla, have accused the government of shielding the plant management and have demanded the registration of an FIR for criminal negligence. The party is also calling for a judicial inquiry and higher compensation of ₹1 crore for the families of the deceased.
