India boiler blast death toll rises to 19 at Vedanta power plant

The death toll from a boiler explosion at a power plant in central India has risen to 19, with 17 others injured, police officials confirmed on Wednesday.

The incident occurred on Tuesday at a facility operated by Vedanta Limited in the Sakti district of Chhattisgarh state. Authorities said the explosion was likely triggered after a pipeline burst, releasing superheated steam that engulfed workers who were reportedly on their lunch break at the time.

District police chief Praful Thakur said the injured are being treated at various hospitals, while rescue and investigation efforts continue at the site.

Vedanta Resources chairman Anil Agarwal expressed condolences over the tragedy, describing himself as “distressed” by the incident. He said a high-level investigation has been launched to determine the cause and that the company would fully cooperate with authorities.

State officials in Chhattisgarh have also initiated a separate inquiry. Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai has ordered strict action against anyone found responsible, emphasizing accountability and safety compliance in industrial operations.

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Preliminary reports suggest the explosion occurred due to a failure in a high-pressure pipeline system, though officials have not yet confirmed the exact cause.

Industrial accidents remain a persistent issue in India, where enforcement of safety regulations is often inconsistent. Poor maintenance standards and lapses in workplace safety protocols have been cited in several previous incidents.

Just last month, a fire at a fireworks factory in western India killed 17 people, underscoring ongoing concerns about industrial safety standards across the country.

Authorities have pledged to strengthen oversight and improve compliance to prevent similar tragedies in the future.