New Delhi (November 3, 2017): Death toll has risen to 25 in the boiler pipe explosion at NTPC Unchahar power plant in Raebareli district of Uttar Pradesh. More than 150 people were also injured in the incident.
The boiler pipe burst in the 500 MW power generating unit that started operating in March at the plant in Unchahar, which is nearly 30 years old. A massive fire broke out and a huge ball of dust rose after the explosion, making rescue difficult.
“There was sudden abnormal sound at 20 mt. elevation and there was an opening…from which hot flue gases and steam escaped affecting the people working around the area,” the NTPC said in a statement.
The plant has now been shut down. A National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) team has also been sent to help in the rescue effort.
The injured are being treated at two hospitals including one within the NTPC campus. Those with the worst burn injuries are being taken to hospitals in Lucknow, around 110 km away.
The Unchahar plant started generating power in 1988 with five units of 210 MW each. The sixth unit was commissioned this year.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted to say that officials are ensuring that normalcy is restored. “Deeply pained by the accident at the NTPC plant in Raebareli. My thoughts are with the bereaved families. May the injured recover quickly. The situation is being closely monitored and officials are ensuring normalcy is restored,” he tweeted.
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