Kaniha: Five workers were injured after a mild explosion was reported inside Bunker-B of Unit-1 at the NTPC plant in Kaniha, Angul district, late Friday night.

According to an official statement issued by NTPC, the incident occurred at around 12:30 am on August 22, 2026, at the bunker floor level. Five workers who were working near the site sustained injuries in the incident.

“All the 05 injured workers were immediately rushed to NTPC hospital by ambulance,” the statement said.

Of the five injured workers, three were given first aid at the NTPC hospital and their condition was reported to be stable. One worker, who sustained injuries requiring further treatment, was immediately referred to SUM Ultimate Hospital in Bhubaneswar for advanced medical care.

The condition of another injured worker was reported to be normal. However, as a precautionary measure, the worker was also shifted to SUM Ultimate Hospital for advanced scans and further consultation.

The victims were identified as Khageswar Sahu (33) of Rangabeda village, Sushant Kumar Sahu (56) of Telisingha, Kishori Pradhan (51) of Kamarei, Sukadev Bhutia (52) of Tentei Bereni and Balaram Naik (25) of Nalam.

Following the incident, NTPC personnel, CISF staff and other workers reached the site and assisted in the rescue and evacuation of the injured.

NTPC said the cause of the incident is currently under investigation by a high-level technical team.

The accident has reportedly triggered concern among workers over safety measures at the plant. Further details are expected after the technical team completes its assessment.