Chhattisgarh , 22 Jan : A powerful explosion ripped through a coal furnace at a private steel plant in Chhattisgarh on Thursday morning, killing at least seven labourers and seriously injuring ten others.
The blast occurred at the Real Ispat & Power Limited factory located in Bakulahi village of Baloda Bazar district.
Preliminary police reports said the explosion occurred suddenly while a group of workers carried out routine operations near the DSC coal furnace.
The blast scattered burning coal and intensely hot material across the work area, causing severe burn injuries that proved fatal for seven workers.
Several other labourers sustained injuries in the incident and were immediately shifted to a nearby hospital for treatment.
Their condition remains under medical observation, though authorities have not released further details.
Eyewitnesses described a massive plume of black smoke rising into the sky following the explosion, with flames engulfing parts of the furnace section.
The force of the blast blackened the factory walls and scattered ash and burnt coal across the premises, creating panic among workers.
Former Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel expressed grief over the incident and urged the government to ensure medical care for the injured, compensation for bereaved families and a high-level enquiry.
The Vishnu Deo Sai-led government has yet to announce any ex gratia relief.
Firefighters brought the blaze under control, while police secured the site, recovered the bodies and sent them for post-mortem.
Authorities have launched a probe to ascertain the cause of the explosion, renewing calls for stricter industrial safety norms in Chhattisgarh.
