RaeBareli: Ten people died and 60 to 70 suffered injuries after a boiler of 500MW under trial unit exploded at the National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC)'s Unchahar plant in Raebareli.

"10 bodies have been recovered. At least 60-70 people injured," Anand Kumar, UP ADG (Law and Order) confirmed. 

The boiler exploded due to pressure.

A 32-member team of National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has left for Unchahar.

“Rescue operations are underway in close coordination with District Administration. Injured persons are being shifted to nearby hospitals,” an official from National Thermal Power Corporation said.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has taken cognizance of the explosion and has directed Principal Secretary Home to ensure all steps for rescue and relief.

Adityanath also announced ex gratia of Rs 2 lakh for next of kin of deceased, Rs 50,000 for critically injured and Rs 25,000 for injured, ANI reported. 

NTPC operates a 1550 Mega Watt power plant of Uttar Pradesh, which is named after Feroze Gandhi, husband of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.

Further details are awaited.