Visakhapatnam, June 8: A devastating industrial accident at the Visakhapatnam Steel Plant in Andhra Pradesh on Monday resulted in the deaths of eight workers, while six others sustained injuries. The incident occurred when a ladle carrying molten steel at approximately 1,500 degrees Celsius exploded. Prime Minister Modi, Vice President, and other leaders have expressed their condolences regarding the tragedy.
According to officials, the accident took place around 4:15 PM during the process of lifting molten steel at the SMS-2 and STC-3 heat facilities of the steel plant. Following the explosion, a large quantity of molten steel spilled out, causing chaos as employees scrambled to escape.
Emergency response teams, including plant staff, police, and fire department personnel, arrived on the scene to control the fire and initiate rescue operations.
Among the deceased are six regular employees and two contract workers. The identified victims include Appa Rao, Prabhakar Rao, Krishna, Ramana, and Trinath.
M. Abhishek Kishore reported that six individuals were injured, with three admitted to KIMS Hospital and three others to Seven Hills Hospital.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep sorrow over the incident on social media platform X, stating, “I am saddened by the accident at the Visakhapatnam Steel Plant. My condolences to those who have lost their loved ones. I pray for the swift recovery of the injured. The local administration is providing all possible assistance to those affected.”
The Prime Minister also announced that families of the deceased would receive a compensation of two lakh rupees each from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF), while the injured would be given fifty thousand rupees each.
Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan also expressed his grief over the loss of life in the incident, extending condolences to the bereaved families and wishing for the quick recovery of the injured.
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu expressed profound sadness over the accident and sought updates on relief and rescue operations from officials. He instructed all departments to coordinate effectively to assist those affected.
The Chief Minister wrote on X, “The accident at the Visakhapatnam Steel Plant has deeply shocked me. The news of multiple worker fatalities is extremely tragic. I have spoken with the relevant officials and directed that relief efforts be expedited in coordination with all government departments.”
Union Minister of Heavy Industries and Steel, Bhupatiraju Srinivasa Varma, stated that the actual causes of the accident would be determined after a thorough investigation. He assured that all possible medical assistance was being provided to the injured and that the central government is closely monitoring the situation.
He added, “I am deeply saddened by this tragic ladle explosion incident at the Visakhapatnam Steel Plant (RINL). My heartfelt condolences go out to the families of the workers who lost their lives. Industrial safety is our top priority, and we stand with the workers and their families during this difficult time.”
An investigation into the causes of the accident has commenced, and the administration has directed a review of safety standards.