Turbine Blast Triggers Major Fire at Bhilai Steel Plant, Five Injured

Raipur/Durg: A massive fire broke out on Tuesday at Power Plant-2 of the Bhilai Steel Plant, operated by Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL), following an explosion in the 25 MW turbine section.

The blast led to towering flames and thick black smoke engulfing the area, sparking panic within the facility. According to initial reports, five people were injured in the incident, including two regular employees and three contract workers. One of the injured suffered a leg fracture, while the others sustained minor injuries. All have received prompt medical treatment and are reported to be stable.

The fire has since been completely extinguished, with emergency response teams acting swiftly to bring the situation under control. More than half a dozen fire tenders were deployed, and senior officials rushed to the site to oversee rescue and containment efforts.

Sources indicated that the blaze spread rapidly after the turbine explosion. However, workers present at the site managed to evacuate through a rear exit in time, preventing a potentially larger tragedy.

Preliminary assessments suggest damage to several cables, though the full extent of losses is still being evaluated. Authorities have initiated a detailed investigation to determine the exact cause of the explosion and subsequent fire, and to strengthen preventive safety measures.

Officials credited the quick response of the fire department and the alertness of workers for averting fatalities. The incident has once again raised concerns over industrial safety standards at major public sector facilities.

The Bhilai Steel Plant, one of SAIL’s flagship units and a key contributor to India’s steel output, has witnessed similar incidents in the past, prompting renewed calls for stricter adherence to safety protocols.

Authorities have assured that normal operations will resume after necessary repairs and safety audits are completed, while both the state government and SAIL management continue to closely monitor the situation.

With inputs from IANS