Neyveli Boiler Blast: At least 6 killed, several injured

Image: ANI

At least six people were killed and several injured in a boiler explosion at Neyveli Lignite Corporation power plant in Tamil Nadu’s Cuddalore district on July 1, reported news agency ANI citing M Sree Abhinav, Cuddalore Superintendent of Police.

The mishap reportedly occurred at the fifth unit of the thermal power station-II (210 MW x 7) when workers were in the process of resuming operations this morning.

While preliminary inputs from the explosion site said two people died, the toll has gone up to six now, an NLC official said.

"Six men have died. Sixteen people who sustained injuries have been rushed to a hospital in Chennai," he said.

The six deceased men, aged between 25 and 42 years, were contract workers.

The injured include employees who have sustained at least 40 percent burn injuries according to an initial assessment, the official said.

The injured have been taken to NLC Lignite hospital.

Home Minister Amit Shah, expressing anguish over the loss of lives, spoke to TamilNadu Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami and assured all possible help.

Anguished to learn about the loss of lives due to a blast at Neyveli power plant boiler in Tamil Nadu.

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Have spoken to @CMOTamilNadu and assured all possible help.@CISFHQrs is already on the spot to assist the relief work.

Praying for the earliest recovery of those injured.

— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) July 1, 2020

Meanwhile, the chief minister has announced an ex-gratia of Rs 3 lakhs each to families of those who lost their lives in the boiler explosion, Rs 1 lakh for those who have sustained severe injuries and Rs 50,000 for those who have received minor injuries, reported ANI.

This is reportedly the second blast at the power plant in three months.

(With inputs from PTI)