Vedanta boiler blast tragedy: Death toll touches 23, investigation deepens

The death toll in the explosion at the Vedanta power plant in Chhattisgarh’s Sakti district has risen to 23 , after two more injured workers succumbed to severe burn injuries on Saturday. Officials confirmed that 12 others are still undergoing treatment , with at least three in a critical condition.

The blast took place on April 14 at the Singhitarai village facility, when a high-pressure steam-carrying steel tube between the boiler and turbine ruptured , triggering a powerful explosion inside the plant. The incident left several workers with life-threatening burn injuries and caused chaos at the industrial site.

According to officials, four workers died on the spot, while multiple others later succumbed to injuries over the following days. The latest fatalities include Subrata Kumar Jana from West Bengal and Upendra Sah from Jharkhand, both of whom had suffered nearly 90 per cent burns .

The injured are being treated across several hospitals in Raigarh and Raipur, including Jindal Hospital, Balaji Metro Hospital, Apex Hospital, Raigarh Medical College, and Shri Shankara Hospital. Health officials said three patients remain in a critical state.

Police have registered an FIR under sections related to causing death by negligence and unsafe handling of machinery . The FIR names Vedanta Group chairman Anil Agarwal, plant head Devendra Patel, and several other officials. Authorities said more names may be added depending on the outcome of the investigation.

Preliminary findings indicate that fuel accumulation inside the boiler furnace led to pressure build-up , resulting in the explosion. A forensic report has also supported this technical assessment.

The state government has ordered a magisterial inquiry and a separate high-level probe, while calls for stricter accountability and compensation for victims’ families continue to grow.