NLC blast: One person dies; sources say pressure build-up in boiler caused fire

• Pralhad Joshi has announced a compensation of Rs 15 lakh for the family of the deceased and a regular employment for the next of kin at NLC

• Multiple inquiry committees have been set up both internally and externally by the government to probe the blast at NLC

New Delhi: Out of the eight people injured in the blast incident at state-run NLC (Neyveli Lignite Corporation) thermal power station in Cuddalore district of Tamil Nadu, one person succumbed to his injuries on May 8. The news was shared by Union Minister for Coal Pralhad Joshi on Twitter on Saturday. He also announced a compensation of Rs 15 lakh for the family of the deceased and a regular employment for the next of kin at NLC. 

"Condolence to the family of Shri Sharbudeen, who succumbed to injuries recieved in unfortunate incident at @nlcindialimited. Have ordered statutory & non statutory payment of atleast Rs.15 lakh to the family of deceased, irrespective of whether employee was regular or contractual," he said. "In addition to the compensation @nlcindialimited will offer regular employment to the next of kin of the deceased. I pray for the speedy recovery of the injured," he added.

What caused the fire?

According to sources who spoke to PSU Watch on the condition of anonymity, the fire was caused because of pressure build-up in the boiler. "That particular day, pressure had built up inside the boiler unexpectedly which caused the fire. Some fire escaped from the boiler. And at the same time, these people (the victims) were near the conveyor and got burnt. It is difficult to say right now how the pressure built up."

Multiple inquiries ordered into the incident

A spokesperson for NLCIL said that multiple inquiry committees have been set up both internally and externally by the government to probe the blast at NLC. "At our end, an internal committee has been set up, a multi-disciplinary committee inside thermal unit will also probe the incident, and another probe will be conducted by Deputy Director (Boiler). An independent inquiry will also be conducted into the incident by a panel headed by former CERC Member AS Bakshi."

"The best possible treatment is being given to the other people who were injured in the incident at a hospital in Trichy," he added. The thermal power station has seven units of 210 MW each. Out of these, five units have been revived. All other units are expected to be functional by May 11, said the NLC spokesperson.