Tamil Nadu Neyveli Boiler Blast: All those injured were rushed to hospital, officials said. “The boiler was not in operation. We are investigating the incident,” an official at the power plant said.
Cuddalore, Tamil Nadu, July 1:
Six people died and 16 suffered burn injuries in a boiler explosion at a thermal power plant in the Cuddalore district of Tamil Nadu this morning.
The blast took place at a power plant of the central government-owned NLC India Limited (formerly known as Neyveli Lignite Corporation Limited) in Cuddalore, about 180 km from state capital Chennai. This is the second blast at the power plant in two months.
All those injured were rushed to the Apollo Hospital in Chennai, officials said.
“The boiler was not in operation. We are investigating the incident,” R Vikraman, one of the directors of the power plant, said.
“Among the sixteen injured, six are regular employees and 10 are contract workers. We are collecting details of those who died,” he added.
In a tweet, Union Home Minister Amit Shah condoled the deaths. “Anguished to learn about the loss of lives due to a blast at Neyveli power plant boiler in Tamil Nadu. 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,” he wrote.
In May, eight workers at the power plant suffered burn injuries in a similar incident. The workers, who were injured in the boiler blast, included both regular and contractual employees.
