A massive fire broke out last night following a powerful explosion in a turbine at the Maa Chhinnamastika Cement and Steel Power Plant in Hehal, under the Barkakana OP area of Ramgarh district, Jharkhand. Three engineers were killed in the incident, while one person sustained serious injuries. The deceased have been identified as Sanjeev Kumar Kesari of Ranchi, Vineet Mahto of Bokaro, and Abhishek Pandey of Garhwa.

According to preliminary information, the plant’s protection system failed due to excessive temperatures, causing the turbine to overspeed and resulting in the explosion. Plant employees have alleged that the management had previously been informed about excessive temperatures in the control room and inadequate cooling arrangements, but no timely action was taken.

As soon as information about the explosion and fire was received, several fire trucks reached the site. After considerable efforts, the firefighters managed to bring the blaze under control. Angered by the incident, villagers and local residents blocked the Ramgarh-Patratu road today, demanding compensation and jobs for the affected families. Following the road blockade, police and plant management have begun talks with the protesters.