Eight workers died and several others suffered injuries after a ladle carrying molten steel exploded at the Visakhapatnam Steel Plant in Andhra Pradesh on Monday.
The accident occurred at the SMS-2 and STC-3 heat facility of the steel plant when a large quantity of molten steel leaked following the explosion of the ladle, which was carrying steel at a very high temperature.
The explosion triggered panic at the facility, forcing workers and employees to scramble for safety. Steel plant personnel rushed to the spot and initiated rescue operations.
Among the eight deceased, five were permanent employees and three were contract workers.
The deceased permanent employees have been identified as Gonthina Bhanu Kumar (Technician), G.V. Apparao, M. Krishna Nagu. K. Prabhakar (General Foreman), Gold Kumar (Manager – In-charge of Machine 2)
The deceased contract workers have been identified as Ramana, Trinadh, N Appala Raju
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief over the tragedy and announced ex-gratia assistance from the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund (PMNRF).
In a post shared by the Prime Minister's Office, Modi said, “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 local authorities are providing all possible assistance to those affected.”
The Prime Minister also announced an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh from PMNRF for the next of kin of each deceased worker, while those injured in the incident will receive Rs 50,000.
Andhra Pradesh Home Minister Vangalapudi Anitha and TDP MP M Sribharat visited the accident site and reviewed the situation.
Authorities are continuing relief and assistance measures for the affected workers and their families.
