New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday expressed grief over the tragic mishap at a power plant in Sakti district of Chhattisgarh which left at least nine workers dead and over 20 others injured.

He announced that an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF) would be given to the next of kin of each deceased. The injured would be given Rs 50,000 each.

The Prime Minister extended his condolences to those who have lost their loved ones and prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured. He also noted that the local administration is assisting those affected.

In a social media post, PM Modi said, ““The mishap at a power plant in Sakti district, Chhattisgarh, is tragic. I extend my condolences to those who have lost their loved ones. May the injured recover at the earliest. The local administration is assisting those affected.”

“An ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh from PMNRF would be given to the next of kin of each deceased. The injured would be given Rs 50,000: PM @narendramodi,” he said.

The tragedy took place when a major boiler tube exploded at 2 p.m. on Tuesday when around 40 to 50 labourers were working at the Vedanta Power Plant in Singhitarai village of Chhattisgarh's Sakti district.

Sakti Superintendent of Police (SP) Praful Thakur confirmed that nine people have died and more than 20 others were injured in the blast at the Vedanta power plant.

Taking to his official X account, Chhattisgarh Industry and Commerce Minister Lakhan Lal Dewangan, said, "The news of the deaths of workers in an industrial accident at the Vedanta plant located in Sakti district is extremely heartbreaking. Considering the seriousness of the incident, I have immediately given necessary directions to the administrative officials of Sakti district and the officials of the Labour, Industry, Industrial Health and Safety Department over the phone. I pray to God for the swift recovery of the injured."

Preliminary investigations suggest the accident was caused by a boiler tube burst, though the exact reason is yet to be officially determined.