The horrific incident at RKM Power Plant in Sakti district occurred during boiler maintenance work, leaving three dead and several others critically injured.
CHHATTISGARH (India CSR): A tragic industrial accident has shaken Chhattisgarh’s Sakti district, where a lift carrying workers collapsed during maintenance work at the RKM Power Plant in Uchch Pinda village under Dabhra block. The mishap, which occurred late on Tuesday night, resulted in the death of three workers and left more than seven others critically injured. Authorities have launched a full investigation into the cause of the accident, raising serious concerns about industrial safety and maintenance protocols at power facilities.
How the Incident Happened
According to preliminary reports, the accident took place when a group of workers was engaged in boiler machine repair work. The workers were being lifted to a considerable height using a maintenance lift when the steel wire supporting the lift snapped, causing it to plunge abruptly to the ground.
The impact was devastating — two workers died on the spot, while another succumbed to injuries during treatment at a nearby hospital. The remaining injured workers, several of whom sustained serious fractures and head injuries, were immediately rushed to local hospitals for emergency medical care.
Immediate Response and Rescue Operation
Following the accident, panic and chaos gripped the plant premises as fellow workers and staff rushed to rescue those trapped in the wreckage. Local police and rescue teams were quickly mobilized to the site.
Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP) Harish Yadav arrived at the scene with a police force to assess the situation and ensure order. He confirmed that three fatalities had occurred and at least seven others were undergoing treatment for severe injuries.
“The incident appears to have been caused by the sudden failure of the lift cable, but the exact cause will be determined after technical examination,” Yadav said, adding that a formal inquiry has been initiated.
To maintain law and order, additional police personnel have been deployed around the plant area. Authorities have also instructed the plant management to cooperate fully with the investigation and provide details of safety measures in place.
Condition of the Injured Workers
Officials have reported that the injured workers were immediately transported to nearby hospitals, and those in critical condition were referred to specialized medical facilities for advanced treatment. Some workers are said to be battling for their lives due to multiple injuries sustained in the fall.
Local residents and families of the workers have gathered outside the power plant and hospitals, demanding accountability and immediate assistance for the victims and their families.
Investigation into Safety Violations
The accident has sparked outrage and renewed calls for stricter safety standards in industrial zones, especially in the energy and manufacturing sectors of Chhattisgarh. Preliminary findings suggest that the maintenance lift may not have undergone proper safety inspection, and the steel wire or pulley system could have been compromised due to overuse or poor maintenance.
Authorities from the Labour Department and District Administration have initiated a joint investigation to determine whether negligence or safety lapses contributed to the tragedy. Officials have stated that legal action will be taken if the plant is found guilty of violating safety norms or standard operating procedures.
Local Administration and Government Reaction
District officials, including senior engineers and safety inspectors, visited the site on Wednesday morning to review conditions and supervise the ongoing investigation. The administration has assured that compensation and medical assistance will be provided to the victims’ families.
Government sources have also indicated that RKM Power Limited may face penalties and temporary suspension of certain operations until the safety audit is completed.
This tragic incident has once again highlighted the urgent need for rigorous safety audits, equipment inspections, and worker protection measures in large industrial units across India.
(India CSR)
