Eight Killed in Molten Steel Ladle Explosion at Vizag Steel Plant
Visakhapatnam — Eight workers were killed and six others injured after a ladle carrying molten steel exploded at the Visakhapatnam Steel Plant on Monday, triggering a major emergency at the facility.
The accident occurred around 4:15 p.m. at the SMS-2 and STC-3 heat facility while molten steel was being lifted. Officials said the ladle exploded and caused a large quantity of molten steel to leak. The molten iron was estimated to be about 1,500 degrees Celsius.
The blast caused panic inside the plant as workers and employees rushed to safety. Steel plant personnel, police and firefighters launched efforts to bring the fire under control.
The dead included six plant employees and two contract workers. Five of those killed were identified as Appa Rao, Prabhakar Rao, Krishna, Ramana and Trinath.
Visakhapatnam District Collector M. Abhishek Kishor said six workers were injured in the accident. Three were admitted to KIMS Hospital, while three others were shifted to Seven Hills Hospital.
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu expressed shock over the incident and spoke with officials about the situation. He also directed officials to coordinate across departments and provide support to those affected.
“The accident at the Visakha Steel Plant has left me deeply shocked. I am distressed to learn that several workers have lost their lives in this accident. I have spoken to the concerned officials and directed them to undertake relief measures in coordination with all government departments,” Naidu posted on X.
Union Minister of State for Heavy Industries and Steel Bhupathiraju Srinivasa Varma said the cause of the accident would be known only after a thorough investigation.
“Deeply saddened and shocked by the tragic ladle blast accident at the Visakhapatnam Steel Plant (RINL) this evening. My heart goes out to the families of the brave workers who lost their lives in this accident. I have spoken to the plant management and local authorities; we are closely monitoring the situation on the ground. Every possible medical assistance is being extended to those affected. Praying for the speedy recovery of the injured. Industrial safety remains our utmost priority, and we stand firmly with the workforce and their families in this hour of grief,” he said in a social media post. (Source: IANS)
