Dhenkanal: At least 18 persons were injured when a steam pipe leaked at Blast Furnace Power Plant of Tata Steel Meramandali Works in Dhenkanal district today.
The injured were immediately rushed to the Occupational Health Centre inside the plant premises. A few of those who were in critical condition have been shifted to private hospitals in Cuttack. The company has initiated an internal investigation to ascertain the cause of the accident.
“We are saddened to report an accident at the BFPP2 power plant due to escape of steam at Tata Steel Meramandali Works in Dhenkanal, Odisha,” said a press statement issued by Tata Steel.
According to the statement, the accident occurred at 1:00 pm (IST) today during the course of the inspection work and has affected few people working at the site, who were immediately shifted to the Occupational Health Centre inside the plant premises and then to Cuttack for further treatment, as a precautionary measure, in the Company’s ambulance, accompanied by doctor and paramedics.
“Immediately post the accident, all the emergency protocol services were activated and the area has been cordoned off. The Company is ensuring all necessary information and support to the families of the affected personnel. We are working closely with relevant authorities on the ground and have initiated an internal investigation to ascertain the cause of the accident,” the statement added.
Dhenkanal SP Gyanaranjan Mohapatra said a valve carrying hot water got opened and 18 persons were injured in the incident.
A team from the district administration will also visit the spot for an investigation, he said.
