Sakti, 15 April (H.S.):

Sixteen workers have perished in the catastrophic explosion at Vedanta Power Plant in Sakti district, Chhattisgarh. The tragedy unfolded Tuesday afternoon, claiming four lives on-site, with five succumbing during treatment at Raigarh Medical College and five more at Raigarh District Hospital. Two additional fatalities occurred at Kalda Hospital in Raipur.

Eighteen injured workers continue receiving treatment across various hospitals, several in critical condition.

Police report many victims hailed from nearby villages like Singhtirai, Sakti, and Raigad district. Several painting and technical workers originated from West Bengal, Bihar, and Jharkhand.

Identified victims include Thandaram, Pappu Kumar, Amrit Lal Patel (50), and Brijesh Kumar from Uttar Pradesh; identification of others proceeds amid challenges from severe burns necessitating DNA testing and Aadhaar verification.

Post-incident, relatives staged protests outside the plant, accusing management of negligence and demanding rigorous investigation alongside stringent action. Families claim some workers remain unaccounted for, with management withholding clear information.

Acknowledging the incident's gravity, Sakti Collector Amrit Vikas Topno ordered a magisterial inquiry. Authorities pledge comprehensive investigation and accountability measures.

Vedanta management announced ₹35 lakh ex gratia to each deceased kin plus employment for one family member, alongside ₹15 lakh for the injured. The group expressed solidarity: In this hour of grief, our condolences and prayers remain with all affected. We stand resolutely by these families.

Prime Minister's National Relief Fund (PMNRF) earlier declared ₹2 lakh for deceased families and ₹50,000 for the injured.

Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, expressing anguish, announced ₹5 lakh compensation for the deceased kin and ₹50,000 for the injured. He directed Bilaspur Division Commissioner to probe the incident, affirming vigilant governmental oversight and empathetic support for affected families.

Local residents and labor unions demand stringent safety audits and oversight to avert recurrence. The affected Unit-1 stands fully shuttered, with industrial safety officials gathering evidence on-site.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar