At least eight workers were killed and six others sustained critical injuries after a major industrial accident involving molten metal at the Visakhapatnam Steel Plant on Monday. The incident occurred at the steel melt shop when a converter handling molten metal reportedly malfunctioned, triggering a powerful explosion and fire.
According to officials, the accident took place during routine operations in one of the plant’s converter units. Initial reports suggest that molten metal spilled unexpectedly, causing a blast that engulfed workers in the vicinity. Several employees suffered severe burn injuries and were rushed to nearby hospitals for treatment.
Emergency response teams and plant personnel immediately launched rescue operations, evacuating workers from the affected area and bringing the situation under control. Authorities later confirmed that eight workers had died in the accident, while six injured employees remained in critical condition.
The Visakhapatnam Steel Plant, operated by the Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Limited (RINL), temporarily halted operations in the affected section following the incident. Senior management officials visited the site and initiated a review of safety procedures and operational protocols.
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister and senior government officials expressed grief over the loss of lives and conveyed condolences to the families of the victims. Authorities have assured all necessary medical assistance to the injured workers and support to the affected families.
A high-level inquiry has been ordered to determine the exact cause of the accident. Investigators are expected to examine whether equipment failure, procedural lapses or other technical issues contributed to the blast. Safety audits of similar units within the plant may also be conducted as part of the investigation.
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