Raebareli boiler blast: Toll reaches 32, NTPC forms expert committee to probe explosion

NEW DELHI: The National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) has formed a three-member expert committee to ascertain the reason of the Unchahar power plant explosion in Uttar Pradesh's Raebareli.

The death toll in the boiler blast at state-run NTPC power plant rose to 32 on Friday. The incident also left more than 100 people injured.

Speaking to ANI, NTPC Zonal Director R.S. Rathi said, "We formed a three-member expert committee to ascertain the reason of the explosion. The director of the NTPC will be the chairman of this committee."

Rathi further said that the committee will give a report on the incident within 30 days following which an appropriate action will be taken.

The NTPC has announced a compensation of Rs 20 lakh for the kin of the deceased, Rs10 lakh for seriously injured and Rs 2 lakh for those who sustained minor injuries.

Rathi further said that the UP government and authorities of Raebareli had helped a lot in the rescue and relief operation.

Earlier on Thursday, the National Human Rights Commission issued a notice to Uttar Pradesh government and sought report within six-weeks in the incident.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath earlier announced an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh for the kin of deceased, Rs 50,000 for critically injured and Rs 25,000 for those with minor injuries.