Raebareli, Uttar Pradesh: Flames, smoke and hissing steam can be seen in dramatic footage shot on mobile phones inside the unit at state-run NTPC's power plant in Raebareli in Uttar Pradesh, where a boiler blast killed 32 and left many injured on Wednesday.
Just after the explosion, flames leapt up and pressurized steam gushed out just where dozens of workers were standing, perhaps killing or at least blinding them instantly. Thick fumes filled the unit, making it difficult to see. On the video, engineers can be heard shouting in fear.
NTPC (National Thermal Power Corporation) officials have said that "extremely high pressure" built up in the boiler furnace because of ash collecting in its outlet, producing a disaster.
Mr Rathee clarified: "We only shut down a plant or a unit when we feel we cannot repair it during ongoing operations. We have a central control room in Delhi and we were sending out all parameters there too."
Reports that a safety valve failed to work have not been confirmed so far. It is also being investigated whether alarm systems were working, to give enough time for workers to be evacuated.
"It will take nearly three to six months to make the unit functional again," Mr Singh told reporters.
Just after the explosion, flames leapt up and pressurized steam gushed out just where dozens of workers were standing, perhaps killing or at least blinding them instantly. Thick fumes filled the unit, making it difficult to see. On the video, engineers can be heard shouting in fear.
NTPC (National Thermal Power Corporation) officials have said that "extremely high pressure" built up in the boiler furnace because of ash collecting in its outlet, producing a disaster.
The 1,550-megawatt NTPC power plant in Raebareli, with six power generating units, supplies power to six states.
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Mr Rathee clarified: "We only shut down a plant or a unit when we feel we cannot repair it during ongoing operations. We have a central control room in Delhi and we were sending out all parameters there too."
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Reports that a safety valve failed to work have not been confirmed so far. It is also being investigated whether alarm systems were working, to give enough time for workers to be evacuated.
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"It will take nearly three to six months to make the unit functional again," Mr Singh told reporters.
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