A massive explosion ripped a boiler in the state-run power giant NTPC's Unchahar plant in Uttar Pradesh's Rae Bareli district on Wednesday, killing at least 20 people and injuring nearly 100, Rediff NEWS reports.
The NTPC initiated a probe to ascertain the reasons behind the blast, while Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath announced Rs 2 lakh compensation for the families of those killed and Rs 50,000 for the grievously injured, they added.
"Twenty deaths have been confirmed by the district administration," Principal Secretary-Home Arvind Kumar said.
"Twenty-two people with severe burns have been referred to Lucknow. Another 15 are in Rae Bareli hospital," UP's additional directer general - law and order said.
He added that the number of casualties could rise.
The principal secretary-home said that 90-100 people had been injured in the blast.