6 dead, 17 injured in boiler explosion at NLC thermal plant in Tamil Nadu

At least six workers were killed and 17 others injured on Wednesday in a boiler explosion at Neyveli Lignite Corporation power plant in India's Cuddalore district of Tamil Nadu.

"The accident was reported from the fifth unit of the thermal power station-II when workers were in the process of resuming operations in the morning," according to news agency PTI,

News agency ANI cited M Sree Abhinav, Cuddalore's superintendent of police, as saying that the six workers died and 17 were injured in the explosion at the boiler, reported Hindustan Times.

PTI quoted an officer as saying that many workers are feared trapped. The official said that the injured have been rushed to a hospital in the state capital of Chennai.

Union home minister Amit Shah tweeted to condole the workers' deaths and offered help to the state government.

"Anguished to learn about the loss of lives due to a blast at Neyveli power plant boiler in Tamil Nadu. Have spoken to @CMOTamilNadu and assured all possible help," Amit Shah tweeted.

"@CISFHQrs is already on the spot to assist the relief work. Praying for the earliest recovery of those injured," he added.

In May, eight workers were injured in a boiler explosion at the state-run NLC plant.

The injured have been taken to NLC Lignite hospital, news agency ANI reported.

In May, eight workers were injured in a boiler explosion at the Neyveli Lignite plant.

More to follow…