PM Announces Ex-Gratia After Boiler Blast in Chhattisgarh’s Sakti Claims 9 Lives
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday expressed deep grief over the loss of lives in a boiler blast at a power plant in Sakti district of Chhattisgarh and announced ex-gratia assistance for the victims.
According to an official release, the Prime Minister conveyed his condolences to the bereaved families and prayed for the speedy recovery of those injured in the incident. He noted that the local administration is providing assistance to those affected.
An ex-gratia of ₹2 lakh from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund will be provided to the next of kin of each deceased, while the injured will receive ₹50,000.
The incident occurred at a Vedanta Power Plant in the Singhi Tarai area of Sakti district, where at least nine people lost their lives and 15 others sustained injuries in a boiler explosion, police said.
Sakti Superintendent of Police Praful Thakur confirmed the casualties, stating that the injured were shifted to a hospital in Raigarh for treatment.
Raigarh Sub-Divisional Magistrate Mahesh Sharma said an investigation has been initiated to ascertain the cause of the blast. “The injured are receiving treatment, and the matter is under examination,” he said.
Family members of the injured workers have raised concerns over the lack of timely information. One relative alleged that despite repeated inquiries, details about the condition of those hospitalised were not being shared.
Senior Congress leader Bhupesh Baghel also expressed grief over the incident and urged the state government to ensure proper medical care and compensation for the victims. He prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured.
In a statement, the company said the incident occurred at one of the boiler units operated by its subcontractor, NGSL, which is responsible for operations and maintenance. It added that immediate medical assistance is being provided and a detailed investigation has been initiated in coordination with authorities.
Further details are awaited.
