At least ten people were killed and 70 others sustained burn injuries after an ash-pipe exploded due to pressure at National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) plant in Unchahar area of Uttar Pradesh's Raebareli district.
Speaking to ANI, Additional Director General (Law and Order) Anand Kumar said, "As of now ten deaths have been confirmed by the district administration, while about 70 people have sustained burn injuries."
Following the incident, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has announced an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh for the kin of deceased, Rs 50,000 for critically injured and Rs 25,000 for injured.
A 32-member team of National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has left for Unchahar in Raebareli.
The authorities of NTPC said, "Rescue operations are underway in close coordination with District Administration. Injured people have been shifted to nearby district hospitals. An unfortunate accident in the boiler of 500 MW under trial unit of NTPC in Unchahar occurred this afternoon."
"NTPC's senior management is rushing to the site to coordinate the efforts," NTPC Corporation Communication Department said.
Union Health Minister J P Nadda spoke to UP Health Minister and Union Health Secretary to extend all possible help.
The blast reportedly took place when a boiler tube exploded at the unit.
"Ash-pipe exploded due to pressure at NTPC plant in Rae Bareli," the District Magistrate informed.
NTPC operates a 1550 Mega Watt power plant of Uttar Pradesh, which is named after Feroze Gandhi, the husband of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.
(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)