At least sixteen people were killed and more than 100 others were injured after a boiler tube reportedly exploded at National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) unit in Unchahar in Raebareli, Uttar Pradesh on Wednesday.
The death toll is likely to rise as many more are feared trapped inside the 500 MW boiler unit at the NTPC, Unchahar, Additional Director General (ADG) Law and Order Anand Kumar said.
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Officials said, the boiler tube reportedly exploded due to pressure at the NTPC unit. A massive fire broke out and a huge ball of dust rose after the explosion, making rescue difficult.
According to media reports, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) is at the site of the blast and is assisting in all the rescue operations.
Most of the injured are believed to have sustained burns from the explosion and have been rushed to hospital for treatment. Injured with serious burns have been shifted to Lucknow, according to media reports.
Police said that, all emergency services have been pressed into action.
Uttar Pradesh Chief minister Yogi Adityanath, who is in Mauritius on a three-day visit, has taken cognisance of explosion and has asked Principal Secretary (Home) Arvind Kumar to moniter all steps for relief and rescue.
The Chief Minister has announced ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh each to the families of those killed, Rs 50,000 each to those seriously injured, and Rs 25,000 each to those with less grave injuries.
The coal-fired plant is owned by NTPC Ltd, and has now been shut down.
NTPC operates the 550 Mega Watt power plant of Uttar Pradesh, which is named after Feroze Gandhi, husband of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.
Union Minister Piyush wrote a condolence message on Twitter and “prayed” for the recovery of the injured.
Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi also wrote on Twitter asking administration to provide immediate relief to the victims.
(With agency inputs)
