NTPC Explosion: Death toll rises to 16

Uttar Pradesh principal secretary (home) Arvind Kumar on Wednesday confirmed that at least 16 people have died after an ash-pipe exploded due to pressure at National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) plant in Unchahar area of Uttar Pradesh's Raebareli district.

Meanwhile, UP's Health Minister Siddharth Nath Singh told ANI that "more than 50 ambulances are pressed into service; we are making arrangements in all big hospitals in Lucknow".

"An enquiry has been set up by NTPC management to investigate the reasons for the accident," said NTPC authorities.

Hours after the incident, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath 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) had 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.