Eight workers were killed and six others severely injured when a ladle carrying molten iron tipped over at the Visakhapatnam steel plant in Andhra Pradesh on Monday afternoon. The incident occurred in the Steel Melting Shop (SMS) section of the plant, causing an explosion and fire. The victims' bodies were so badly burned that identification is currently impossible. Efforts are underway by plant authorities and fellow workers to identify the deceased. The injured, whose bodies are over 70% burned, have been admitted to the plant's hospital.
This is the worst accident to occur at the plant since a previous explosion and fire in June 2012 that killed 16 people. The ladle, containing iron heated to 1,600 degrees Celsius, fell to the ground, causing the explosion and subsequent fire. At least 20 workers were present in the area at the time of the accident. CITU labor union leader K Ayodhya Ram alleged that the plant's maintenance was inadequate and that the authorities had not officially announced the number of fatalities. However, union leaders informed the police of the number of bodies found at the scene.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep sorrow over the incident and announced financial assistance of 2 lakh rupees for the families of the deceased and 50,000 rupees for the injured. In a post on X, he said, 'I am deeply saddened by the accident at the Visakhapatnam steel plant. My condolences to those who have lost their loved ones. I wish for the speedy recovery of the injured. Local administration is providing all possible assistance to the affected individuals.'
