What Happened in the Explosion at the Steel Plant in Chhattisgarh?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Four workers injured in a furnace explosion at NRVS Steel Plant.
- One worker in critical condition, suffering severe burns.
- Explosion caused panic among employees and local residents.
- Investigation launched to determine the cause.
- Labor unions are calling for a safety audit.
Raigarh, Oct 24 (NationPress) Four workers have sustained burns due to an explosion in the furnace section of the NRVS Steel Plant situated in Taraimal, within the jurisdiction of the Punjipathra police station, in Chhattisgarh's Raigarh district on Friday.
As per police reports, one worker is in critical condition and has been transferred to a hospital in Raipur.
The incident sparked panic within the plant and a stampede-like scenario in the vicinity.
Following the explosion, the management at the plant promptly initiated rescue and relief efforts.
The injured individuals were quickly taken to a nearby hospital, where they received first aid. The health status of the other three workers - two locals and one from Bihar - is reported as stable. They are currently receiving treatment at the facility.
A worker named Ramnarayan Yadav, aged 35, hailing from Azamgarh, Uttar Pradesh, is in critical condition. He was near the furnace when the explosion took place, according to police sources.
Yadav has suffered burns affecting over 60 percent of his face and upper body.
Medical professionals have indicated that Yadav's life is at risk, leading to his referral to either Bilaspur or Raipur Medical College.
The explosion transpired around 7 a.m. during operations involving molten metal in the furnace.
Initial investigations suggest that the explosion was triggered by a sudden spike in pressure within the furnace.
The powerful blast released thick black smoke into the air, with flames soaring high.
Workers and nearby residents evacuated in a state of panic.
Authorities from the Punjipathra Police Station have arrived on the scene and commenced an investigation.
A forensic team has been summoned to ascertain the precise cause of the explosion.
The district administration has temporarily suspended operations at the plant and announced the establishment of a high-level investigation committee.
Labor unions have conveyed their sorrow over the incident and have called for a safety audit at the facility. Raigarh district is recognized as an industrial hub, hosting numerous steel plants.
Although several minor incidents have been reported in recent years, such a significant explosion is uncommon. In May 2025, a furnace explosion at an iron and steel facility resulted in injuries to four workers.