New Delhi — A central team is set to investigate the fatal accident at the Vedanta power plant in Chhattisgarh’s Sakti district, where multiple workers lost their lives and several others were seriously injured.
The team, comprising officials from the Department of Industrial Safety and Boiler Inspectors, is expected to arrive from Delhi to begin the inquiry. The decision follows a preliminary report submitted by the state’s Boiler Inspector, prompting central authorities to step in.
Parallelly, the Chhattisgarh government has also initiated its own probe, appointing the Bilaspur Divisional Commissioner as the inquiry officer. The investigation will focus on the sequence of events, root causes, and accountability, along with recommending measures to prevent similar incidents.
The accident occurred on April 14 in Boiler Unit-1 due to a technical fault in a water supply pipe joint connected to a steam pipeline. Reports indicate that the death toll has risen to 20, while around 15 injured workers are currently undergoing treatment at different hospitals.
A preliminary technical assessment by the Chief Boiler Inspector pointed to excessive fuel accumulation inside the furnace, which led to a dangerous pressure build-up and subsequent damage to connected pipelines. Findings from the Forensic Science Laboratory in Sakti have also supported this conclusion, identifying fuel overload as the primary cause.
Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy, calling it extremely painful. He extended condolences to the families of the deceased and has directed officials to ensure a fair, time-bound investigation, with strict action against those found responsible.
Authorities have mandated that the inquiry report be completed within 30 days.
With inputs from IANS