Bhubaneswar: Five persons were injured, two of them seriously, after a blast triggered a fire at NTPC power plant in Kaniha area of Angul district late on Friday night, officials said. The incident took place at the coal-loading bunker area of the thermal power plant, causing panic among workers and prompting an immediate emergency response. Plant authorities and local administration rushed to the spot and brought the situation under control.The injured persons have been identified as Susanta Kumar Sahu, Kishor Pradhan, Balram Pradhan, Khageswar Sahu, and Sukdeb Bhutia. Khageswar and Sukdeb are stated to be in a critical condition. According to sources, about 40 to 50 workers were present when the blast took place at the plant.Collector (Angul) M. Abdul Akhtar said around five people sustained injuries in the incident. “Three of them suffered minor injuries and have been admitted to NTPC Kaniha Hospital for treatment,” he said. The two others, who sustained more serious burn and blast-related injuries, were shifted to a private hospital in Bhubaneswar. According to the district collector, one of the two is in a stable condition and is likely to be discharged soon. The other, who suffered comparatively severe injuries, remains in a serious but stable condition and is undergoing treatment at the Bhubaneswar hospital.The city-based hospital authorities where the two injured persons are admitted currently said that the duo suffered serious burns and are receiving specialised treatment. One of the two remained in critical condition while the other is in a stable situation now, hospital sources said.“The cause of the accident has not yet been ascertained. However, I have spoken to NTPC central authorities as well as local plant officials regarding the matter, and they have provided assurance that the incident is being thoroughly examined,” Akhtar said.Officials said an investigation has been initiated to determine the circumstances that led to the blast and subsequent fire in the bunker area. Plant authorities are also assessing the extent of damage caused to infrastructure and equipment.The incident has revived concerns over industrial safety at NTPC Kaniha plant. In 2024, a similar mishap was reported at the same facility, raising questions about safety protocols and preventive measures at one of the region’s major power-generation units.