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| Edited By: DNA Web Team |Source: DNA webdesk |Updated: Nov 01, 2017, 10:19 PM IST
An Ash-pipe at the NTPC plant in Uttar Pradesh's Raebareli exploded on Wednesday leaving at least 18 killed and over 100 injured, the state home department said.
According to Reuters, the coal plant has been closed until they find out he reason behind the blast.
#SpotVisuals from Raebareli: Ash-pipe explosion at NTPC plant; at least 100 injured. pic.twitter.com/cgnaelrko3
— ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) November 1, 2017
NTPC's Unchahar plant has five power generating units of 210 MW each. The plant started generating power in 1988.
Around 40-50 people received burn injuries, and the condition of some of them was serious. All of them were being rushed to hospitals for treatment, he added.
The Unchahar sub-division in Raebareli district is around 110 km from the state capital.
ADG Kumar said that all available ambulances were pressed into action and the additional district magistrate and the additional superintendent of police were on the spot to supervise relief and rescue operations.
SP Shivhari Meena told PTI that as per initial reports "50-60 persons suffered injuries" due to the explosion.
Three NTPC AGMs who sustained serious burn injuries and have been shifted to a private hospital in Lucknow are being sent to Delhi by air ambulance
The NCPT has ordered an inquiry to investigate the reasons for the accident.
Meanwhile, the Uttar Pradesh health minister added that more than 50 ambulances pressed into service. "We are making arrangements in all big hospitals in Lucknow," he said.
Scenes from the site of the accident
Congress vice president tweeted about the incident, saying that his thoughts and prayers were with those injured and the families of the deceased, adding that help will be provided for all.
— Office of RG (@OfficeOfRG) November 1, 2017
The NDRF has also sent a team from Lucknow, they announced on Twitter.
Blast in steam boiler at NTPC Raebareli UP. 10 dead, 100 injured.SAR operations continue. 1 NDRF team enroute from Lucknow.
— NDMA India (@ndmaindia) November 1, 2017
Raebareli: People injured in ash-pipe explosion at #NTPC plant being treated at district hospital. pic.twitter.com/oU8Y1Qr83r
— ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) November 1, 2017
NTPC has issued a statement. They have called the incident 'unfortunate', adding that the accident took place in the boiler of 500MW under trial unit of NTPC– Unchahar. "Rescue operations underway in close coordination with District Administration. Injured persons are being shifted to nearby hospitals," an NTPC spokesperson said.
Yogi Adityanath has announced ex gratia of Rs 2 lakh for next of kin of deceased, Rs 50,000 for critically injured & Rs 25,000 for injured
The SDM Rae Bareli Alok Kumar said that initial reports suggest that due to high pressure, a blast occurred in boiler of Unit no 6 of 500 MW NTPC Thermal Power Plant late afternoon. “Injured have been admitted at the district and other hospitals and arrangements are being made to shift serious one to Lucknow,” said Kumar.
Eye-witness, however, claimed that many people have been killed in the blast.
A high-level team of NTPC has rushed to the site from Lucknow to ascertain the cause of the blast and help local administration in relief and rescue opefrations.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has taken cognizance of the explosion at the plant, and has directed Principal Secretary (Home) to ensure all steps for rescue and relief.
