Six Workers Killed, Five Injured in Explosion at Steel Plant in Chhattisgarh
Hot ash from a kiln blast fell on workers during morning shift at a Balodabazar factory
Six workers lost their lives and five others suffered serious burn injuries after an explosion at a steel plant in Chhattisgarh’s Balodabazar-Bhatapara district on Thursday morning, officials said.
The incident took place around 9:40 am at Real Ispat and Power Ltd, located in Bakulahi village. According to district authorities, a dust settling chamber connected to a kiln reportedly leaked after the blast, causing extremely hot ash to fall directly on workers present at the site.
Due to the intense heat, six workers died on the spot, while five others sustained severe burns. Thick black smoke was seen rising from the factory, visible from a long distance. Eyewitnesses said the victims’ bodies were badly charred. Most of the workers were reportedly from Bihar and Jharkhand.
The injured were immediately shifted to the Chhattisgarh Institute of Medical Sciences (CIMS) in Bilaspur for advanced medical treatment. As a precaution, the district administration sealed the factory premises, and officials were deployed at the site.
A high-level probe team led by the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) has been formed to investigate the cause of the explosion. The team includes officials from the industry department, industrial health and safety wing, police, and revenue department. Members of the plant’s management are being questioned as part of the investigation.
District Superintendent of Police Bhavna Gupta said rescue and verification operations were still ongoing. Over 50 workers were reportedly present during the morning shift, and authorities are conducting one-to-one verification to account for everyone. Some workers left the premises after the incident, and efforts are underway to contact them.
Teams from the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), police, industrial safety department, and forensic experts are clearing fly ash debris and examining the site. Officials have assured that strict action will be taken against those found responsible for the accident.
Labour department officials have reached the village to ensure that the families of the deceased receive compensation as per government norms. Authorities are also in touch with the victims’ families in Bihar and Jharkhand.
Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai described the incident as “extremely tragic and heartbreaking” and expressed deep condolences to the families of the deceased. He assured full assistance to the affected families and directed officials to ensure proper treatment for the injured and a thorough investigation.
Health Minister Shyam Bihari Jaiswal also expressed grief over the incident and instructed district authorities to provide the best possible medical care to those injured. He ordered a detailed inquiry into the cause of the explosion.
The state government has reiterated its commitment to supporting the affected families during this difficult time.
