NTPC explosion toll rises to 29; Opposition demands judicial probe

Union Power Minister RK Singh also arrived at the site to oversee relief measures in what is one of the worst tragedies at a power plant in recent history, and even came face to face with Rahul Gandhi at one point.

Singh announced Rs 20 lakh ex-gratia for the next of kin of those killed in the accident at the Unchahar plant in Uttar Pradesh's Rae Bareli.

The Centre also ordered a probe by the NTPC's executive director into the incident, while the state administration ordered a magisterial probe.

"Twenty-nine people have succumbed to injuries and 85 were being treated at hospitals in Rae Bareli and Lucknow," the NTPC said in an official release.

Among the deceased was Assistant General Manager (AGM) at NTPC's Unchahar power plant Sanjeev Kumar Sharma, who died at a private hospital in Lucknow.

"Sanjeev Kumar Sharma died around 6 pm in spite of best efforts by doctors," said his college mate and secretary of vocational education and skill development of Uttar Pradesh Bhuvnesh Kumar.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi took a break from campaigning in poll-bound Gujarat and met the victims and their families.

The Rae Bareli Lok Sabha constituency is represented by his mother and Congress president Sonia Gandhi.

His office tweeted, "Labourers have said that the accident took place due to negligence and that there should be a judicial probe into the accident."

"I was sad to see the pain of victims of the NTPC incident and their families should get better compensation and government jobs, while the injured should get all possible help," the Congress vice-president said.

Rahul Gandhi was accompanied by senior party leader Ghulam Nabi Azad and UP Congress chief Raj Babbar. Azad claimed that a judicial inquiry was important as in the case of a probe by a government agency, facts could be concealed.

Uttar Pradesh Energy Minister Shrikant Sharma tweeted, "The Centre has constituted a committee to probe the accident.

The committee headed by executive director of NTPC will submit its report in 30 days."

During his visit to the site, Rahul Gandhi was heard making enquiries about the number of workers deputed at the plant.

"People are saying that it (the plant unit) was run early (before schedule). It should not have been run that way. We will demand a probe," he told reporters.

Union Power minister Singh announced a compensation amount of Rs 20 lakh to the next of kin of those killed observing that the earlier ex-gratia was not enough.

"I am of the view that the ex-gratia which was earlier announced was not enough. Rs 20 lakh compensation will be given to the next of kin of those who died in the accident, while the seriously injured will get Rs 10 lakh and those who sustained minor injuries will be given Rs 2 lakh," he told reporters.

This amount is in addition to the compensation provided under the workmen compensation rules, he said.

In addition, Prime Minister Narendra Modi approved an ex-gratia payment of Rs 2 lakh each for the families of the deceased.

"Prime Minister @narendramodi has approved an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh each for the next of kin of those who have lost their lives due to the accident at the NTPC plant in Raebareli, Uttar Pradesh. PM has approved Rs 50,000 each for those injured due to the accident," the prime minister's office said on Twitter.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, who is abroad on an official tour, has also announced Rs 2 lakh compensation for the families of those killed and Rs 50,000 for the grievously injured besides Rs 25,000 for the other injured workers.

The opposition Samajwadi Party (SP) demanded a probe by a retired high court judge into the boiler explosion.

The families of the deceased should be given Rs 50 lakh as compensation, while those injured should get Rs 10 lakh, senior SP leader Ahmed Hasan said.

Deputy Chief Minister Dinesh Sharma, who visited the accident site, said, "Our priority at this point in time is that proper treatment should be ensured to the injured persons. We stand by the families of those dead in their hour of grief. Teams of NTPC and NDRF have already arrived here."

Meanwhile, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) issued a notice to the UP government over the blast.

Expressing concern, the commission in a statement said that a "high-level probe into the matter is immediately required to ascertain the negligence and errors, if any, behind the incident, which involves the right to life".

It said there was need to ensure that such tragedies do not recur. A detailed report is expected from the government within six weeks, the rights panel said.

The NTPC in an official release said that Unit No. 6 (500 MW) of the plant was shut down after the accident. However, five other units of 1,050 MW capacity were operating normally.

The 1,550-MW plant supplies electricity to nine states, according to officials, and employs around 870 people.

This evening, two middle-aged men, who suffered serious burns, were brought to Delhi and admitted to Safdarjung Hospital, doctors said.

More people, who have suffered grievous injuries in the blast, are likely to be brought for treatment at the hospital as well the AIIMS, a senior official of the health ministry said.

All necessary arrangements have been made at the AIIMS trauma centre and the Safdurjung hospital "as directed by the Union health minister", the official said.

Union Health Minister JP Nadda is in regular touch with the state authorities, he said.

Union Minister of State for Health Anupriya Patel visited Safdarjung Hospital to oversee and ensure that the injured get the best treatment and care.