In a tragic incident, eight workers were killed, and several others sustained injuries after a large quantity of molten steel leaked at the SMS-2 and STC-3 heat facility at the Visakhapatnam Steel Plant.
The accident reportedly occurred while transporting molten steel after the ladle wires reportedly snapped. The molten steel spilled onto the ground, triggering a massive fire.
Several workers sustained serious injuries in the incident. The injured were rushed to the hospital by the steel plant management.
As per Zee News reporters, among the deceased workers were both company employees and outsourced (contract) workers.
According to ANI, Visakhapatnam Steel Plant Circle Inspector Kesav Rao stated that the incident was triggered by the explosion of a ladle carrying molten steel at a very high temperature. Panic ensued, causing workers and employees to scramble for safety. Steel plant personnel arrived at the scene and are attempting to bring the fire under control.
Meanwhile, Vangalapudi Anitha, State Home Minister, responded to the accident at the Visakhapatnam Steel Plant. She spoke over the phone with the Visakhapatnam District Collector and the City Police Commissioner and enquired about the details related to the steel plant accident.
The minister directed officials to provide better medical treatment to the injured and also instructed officials to speed up rescue and relief operations at the accident site.
The Home Minister rushed to the accident site immediately after learning about the incident and has been continuously in touch with officials over the phone and issuing several instructions to the authorities.
Andhra Pradesh CM reacts
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu expressed shock over the tragic incident. He also added that the concerned officials have been directed to undertake relief measures.
“The accident at the Visakh 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,” the post read.
