UP NTPC boiler burst: 20 labourers die, 100 injured in Unchahar, govt releases helpline numbers

In a tragic incident, 20 labourers were killed and more than 100 have suffered serious injuries after a boiler went off at NTPC plant in Uttar Pradesh’s Unchahar on Wednesday. CM Yogi Adityanath announced ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakhs to their next of kin.

Uttar Pradesh principal secretary has confirmed death of 18 labourers in the boiler bursting incident. “18 dead bodies have been recovered,” said the SDM. Senior police officers told News Nation that at least 1500 labourers were working in the NTPC plant when the boiler went off. They believe the number of casualties and injured can increase.

According to NTPC press release the incident occurred at unit no. 6 of the plant. The press release reads, “Around 3:30pm, an opening was created in the boiler at the height of 20 feet. Flue gas and steam spread in the area leading to injury and deaths.”

The state government has released three helpline numbers (0535-2703301, 0535-2703401 and 0535-2703201.) The Uttar Pradesh government has pressed in 50 ambulances in the plant and all major hospitals in neighbouring districts have been kept in high alert.

Uttar Pradesh ADG (Law and Order) talking to media said, "Our primary objective is to rescue people and provide immediate medical treatment."

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister taking cognizance of the incident has directed Principal Secretary Home to ensure all possible steps to rescue the labourers.

Yogi has announced Rs 2 lakh compensation for the family members of the labourers who lost their lives in the boiler blast and Rs 50 thousand for labourers who are injured grievously and Rs 25 thousand for other injured workers.

A team of 32 persons of National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has been rushed to Unchahar from Lucknow to support in rescue works.

Raebareli administration told the media that the seriously injured labourers have been referred to hospitals in Lucknow, Allahabad and other nearby hospitals.

The state government has ordered a probe the cause behind the NTPC boiler burst incident. Sources told the media that the blasted occurred after ash was collected in the boiler.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his grief over the incident and tweeted, "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 & officials are ensuring 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 & officials are ensuring normalcy is restored: PM @narendramodi

— PMO India (@PMOIndia) November 1, 2017

The Congress president Sonia Gandhi too expressed her grief over the incident and has asked party workers to help rescue teams in rescuing the injured trapped in the plant.

रायबरेली NTPC प्लांट की घटना से मन विचलित है। मेरी संवेदनाएं मृतकों के परिवार के साथ हैं। प्रशासन से आग्रह है घायलों को तत्काल मदद दी जाए।

— Office of RG (@OfficeOfRG) November 1, 2017

The Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi who is in Gujarat showed his grief over the incident and tweeted, "Disturbed by the NTPC plant incident. My condolences are with the families of those who died. Urge the authorities to provide immediate help to the injured." 

(With inputs from Vinod Mishra - Lucknow)