26 Died At An Explosion In NTPC Site In UP’s Rae Bareli: CM Yogi Adityanath Announces Compensation

On Wednesday, November 2, a huge explosion in an NTPC Power Plant at UP’s Unchahar, Rae Bareli left at least 26 people dead and 100 injured. The number of casualties is expected to rise as the rescue operation is ongoing. The NTPC has assured to probe into the matter to find the cause of the explosion.

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has announced Rs 2 lakh as compensation for the family of those who were killed and Rs 50,000 for the seriously injured persons.

A statement issued by NTPC said that at around 3:30 PM, there was a sudden loud sound at an elevation of 20 meters at the Unit No.6 of the 500 mw power unit at the site. A senior official of NTPC said, “In NTPC Unchahar, Unit No. 6 at around 1530 hrs on 01.11.2017 there was sudden abnormal sound at 20 mt. elevation and there was opening in corner no.2 from which hot flue gases and steam escaped affecting the people working around the area”.

Another senior NTPC official who refused to be named said, “There was an explosion inside the boiler. After the coal burns it gets deposited and has to be cleared. The people who died were engaged in that cleaning,” reported The Hindu. The unit was closed down immediately to avoid further damage. Approximately 80 people were rushed to the nearby hospital where they were discharged after first aid.

Union Power Minister R K Singh has expressed condolences for the deceased workers through his social media posts and also ordered Gurdeep Singh, NTPC Chairman and MD to look into the matter.

Deeply pained by the accident at NTPC Unchahaar in Raebareli.My thoughts are with those who have lost their loved ones: Shri @RajKSinghIndia

— Office of R.K. Singh (@OfficeOfRKSingh) November 1, 2017

CMD NTPC has been directed to proceed to the site immediately and ensure immediate relief to the affected: Shri @RajKSinghIndia

— Office of R.K. Singh (@OfficeOfRKSingh) November 1, 2017

ADG Anand Kumar said that all the ambulances were put into action to take the injured and the dead to the hospital. The ADG and ASP ordered for an immediate relief and rescue operation. According to government sources, majority of the injured workers suffered over 70% burns. The death toll is feared to rise further. NTPC even confirmed that some of their senior officials which included three of their AGM got seriously injured and were rushed to Lucknow for treatment.

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath who is currently on a three-day trip to Mauritius, tweeted that every possible help will be provided.