BackWORLD
Vedanta Boiler Blast Death Count Rises To 25 As Another Worker Dies
An explosion at Vedanta's Singhtarai thermal plant in Chhattisgarh on April 14 left workers injured. On April 23, Biswajit Sahu died in treatment, lifting the death toll to 25. A preliminary report cites excessive fuel buildup and rapid pressure rise as the cause, with the Forensic Science Laboratory confirming findings and authorities beginning a negligence investigation.
Why It Matters
The incident underscores industrial safety concerns and potential accountability for management and officials amid ongoing investigations and legal actions.
Timeline
5 Events
April 23, 2026: Police register case and FIR names executives
April 23, 2026
Police registered a case under sections related to causing death by negligence and negligent conduct with machinery. Eight to ten individuals, including Vedanta Group Chairman Anil Agarwal and plant head Devendra Patel, have been named in the FIR; more names may be added as the investigation progresses.
April 23, 2026: Report submitted to district administration and Dabhra police
April 23, 2026
The report has been submitted to the district administration and Dabhra police.
April 23, 2026: Preliminary report identifies cause of explosion
April 23, 2026
A preliminary report by the chief boiler inspector identifies excessive fuel accumulation inside the boiler furnace as the cause, leading to a rapid rise in pressure that dislodged a lower pipe, causing a structural failure and the blast. The Forensic Science Laboratory in Sakti independently confirmed these findings.
April 23, 2026: Biswajit Sahu dies, death toll reaches 25
April 23, 2026
Biswajit Sahu, a worker from West Bengal, died during treatment after the blast, taking the total death toll to 25.
April 14, 2026: Explosion at Vedanta plant in Singhtarai injures workers
April 14, 2026
An explosion occurred at Vedanta's thermal power plant in Singhtarai, Chhattisgarh, leaving several workers with severe injuries.