Eight Killed, Six Injured in Explosion at Visakhapatnam Steel Plant; PM Announces Ex-Gratia
Visakhapatnam, June 8 (TNT): Eight persons were killed and six others injured in a major industrial accident at the Visakhapatnam Steel Plant (VSP) of Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Limited (RINL) on Monday, triggering rescue operations and multiple investigations into the cause of the incident.
According to an official statement from the Ministry of Steel, the accident occurred at around 4.15 p.m. at Caster-2 of Steel Melt Shop-1 during casting operations.
Officials said that before the slide gate was opened to pour molten steel from the ladle into the tundish, a sudden and severe explosion took place, resulting in a massive fireball that rose to the ceiling of the unit. An overhead crane also caught fire following the blast.
The accident claimed the lives of eight workers, while six others sustained injuries and were rushed to hospitals for treatment.
Of the deceased, five were permanent employees and three were contract workers.
According to Visakhapatnam District Collector M. Abhishek Kishore, three injured workers were admitted to KIMS Hospital and three others were shifted to Seven Hills Hospital. Two of the injured are reported to be in critical condition.
The Steel Ministry has ordered an inquiry into the incident.
In addition to an internal probe, a three-member external inquiry committee headed by the Director-in-Charge of Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL), Bokaro, has been constituted to investigate the causes of the accident.
Meanwhile, Union Steel Minister H. D. Kumaraswamy is scheduled to visit the Visakhapatnam Steel Plant later in the night.
He will inspect the accident site, review the situation and meet the injured workers undergoing treatment in hospitals.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief over the tragedy and announced financial assistance for the victims’ families.
“Saddened by the mishap at the Visakhapatnam Steel Plant. Condolences to those who have lost their loved ones. Praying that the injured recover at the earliest,” the Prime Minister said in a post on X.
He announced an ex-gratia of ₹2 lakh from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF) for the next of kin of each deceased person and ₹50,000 for each injured worker.
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu expressed shock over the incident and reviewed the situation with senior officials.
“The accident at the Visakha Steel Plant has left me deeply shocked. I am distressed to learn that several workers have lost their lives. I have directed officials to undertake relief measures in coordination with all government departments,” Naidu said in a post on X.
The Chief Minister also instructed authorities to ensure the best possible medical treatment for the injured and extend support to the affected families.
Union Minister of State for Heavy Industries and Steel Bhupathiraju Srinivasa Varma said the exact cause of the accident would be known only after a detailed investigation.
Meanwhile, Union Minister for Coal and Mines G. Kishan Reddy expressed profound grief over the tragedy and extended condolences to the families of the deceased workers.
He directed officials to expedite rescue operations and ensure that the injured receive the best possible medical care.
Reddy also assured all possible support from the Central Government to the affected families.
Rescue and relief operations continued late into the evening as authorities worked to ascertain the full circumstances leading to the accident.
TNT KM
