A major industrial accident at the Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Limited in Visakhapatnam on Monday left nine people dead and several others injured. The accident occurred in the plant’s SMS-2 and STC-3 Heat FG units after a steel liquid metal ladle reportedly exploded, causing molten steel to spill and ignite a fire. Two of the injured are reported to be in critical condition.
Preliminary reports indicate that the incident took place while molten steel, heated to nearly 1,500 degrees Celsius, was being lifted through a liquid metal ladle. The blast triggered panic among workers and employees, who rushed out of the facility for safety. Fire and emergency response teams were deployed to the site and launched operations to contain the blaze and assist those affected.
The deceased have been identified as Appa Rao, Prabhakar Rao, Krishna, Ramana, Trinath, Appala Raju and Kumar, while the identities of two others are yet to be confirmed. Officials stated that five of the victims were employees of the steel plant and three were contract workers. Authorities are continuing rescue and investigation efforts to determine the exact cause of the accident.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy and conveyed condolences to the bereaved families. He announced ex gratia assistance of ₹2 lakh from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund for the next of kin of each deceased victim and ₹50,000 for those injured. Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu also expressed shock over the incident and directed officials to ensure the best possible treatment for the injured while coordinating relief operations. Union Steel Minister H. D. Kumaraswamy said he was closely monitoring the situation and assured all possible support to the victims. Union Minister G. Kishan Reddy described the loss of lives as deeply distressing and urged that comprehensive assistance be provided to the affected families.