- Initial probe finds excessive fuel in Vedanta boiler caused pressure build-up and explosion
- Lapses in maintenance and negligent operation contributed to the blast at Sakti plant
- Blast on April 14 killed 20 workers and injured 16 due to burst steam tube in boiler
The initial technical investigation of the blast at the Vedanta power plant in Sakti district of Chhattisgarh has found that excessive fuel accumulation in the boiler furnace led to a pressure build-up, resulting in an explosion, news agency PTI reported citing police.
The preliminary probe further suggests that “lapses in upkeep and negligent operation” at the power plant, they said.
The blast occurred on April 14 at the plant in Singhitarai village when a steel tube with a high-pressure steam from the boiler to the turbine burst, injuring several workers with severe burn injuries. The explosion claimed 20 lives and left 16 persons injured.
“According to an initial report submitted by the Chief Boiler Inspector, the excessive fuel inside the furnace generated high pressure, causing a blast in the boiler. The pressure forced a lower pipe of the boiler out of its designated position, resulting in the severe accident,” the news portal cited a police statement on Thursday.
ALSO READ: Boiler Explosion At Vedanta Plant In Chhattisgarh Leaves 11 Dead, 22 Injured
Meanwhile, a report by the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) in Sakti also noted that the accumulation of fuel, which resulted in excessive pressure were the primary causes of the incident, the statement added.
The investigation revealed that Vedanta company and its contractor NGSL (NTPC GE Power Services Limited) did not properly adhere to maintenance and operational standards for machinery and equipment, the statement said.
“Lapses in upkeep and negligent operation led to sudden fluctuations in boiler pressure, ultimately causing the accident. Based on the available evidence and technical findings, negligence has been established prima facie, following which an FIR was lodged,” it noted.
The FIR has been registered at Dabhra police station under sections 106 (causing death by negligence), 289 (negligent conduct with respect to machinery) and 3(5) (common intention) of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, Sakti Superintendent of Police Prafull Thakur told PTI.
“Eight to ten individuals, including Vedanta Group chairman Anil Agarwal and management official Devendra Patel, have been named in the FIR. If more persons are found responsible during the investigation, their names will be added,” he said
A special team has been formed, which will be led by Additional SP Pankaj Patel, comprising Sub Divisional Officer of Police Sumit Gupta, forensic officer Srishti Singh, and Dabhra police station in-charge Rajesh Patel, Thakur added.
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