8 workers killed as 150 tonnes of molten steel explodes at Visakhapatnam plant

A major industrial accident at the Visakhapatnam Steel Plant on Monday claimed the lives of at least eight workers and left six others injured after a ladle carrying molten steel exploded, causing hot metal to spill onto workers in the unit.

The accident occurred around 4.15 pm at the Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Limited (RINL), the Central government-run steel plant in Visakhapatnam. District Collector M Abhishikth Kishore confirmed the casualties after visiting the site.

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“Eight workers were killed and six others sustained injuries in the accident,” Kishore told Hindustan Times.

Explosion during steel transfer operation

According to Union Minister of State for Steel Bhupathiraju Srinivasa Varma, the incident took place when nearly 150 tonnes of molten steel, heated to around 1,500 degrees Celsius, was being transported in a ladle to a casting unit.

The ladle reportedly exploded during the transfer process, spilling molten metal on workers stationed nearby. The minister said four of the injured workers were stable, while two remained in critical condition.

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“Providing the best possible medical treatment to the injured is our top priority,” Varma said.

He added that an air ambulance had been kept on standby in case advanced treatment became necessary.

Investigation ordered, leaders express grief

The minister said the exact cause of the accident remains unknown. “A detailed investigation will examine whether a technical failure occurred during the transfer of molten steel through the ladle, including the possibility of snapped wires or any other mechanical malfunction that may have triggered the explosion,” he said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed condolences and announced an ex-gratia payment of Rs 2 lakh to the families of the deceased and Rs 50,000 for the injured. Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu and Union Steel Minister HD Kumaraswamy also expressed shock and directed officials to provide all necessary assistance.

Workers describe scenes of panic

The accident occurred in the Continuous Casting Department under the Steel Melting Shop section of the plant. Trade union leader D Adinarayana said the molten metal spilled out rapidly after the explosion.

“The molten steel, which was at an extreme temperature of 1,500 degree Celsius, spilled out of the ladle like a foam, leaked in large quantities, and fell on the workers in the unit,” he told HT.

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Another employee said the liquid metal spread across nearly 500 metres inside the facility.

Recalling the moments after the blast, plant supervisor technician Sandeep was quoted as saying by HT, “I heard a loud explosion, followed by huge fire hitting the roof of the plant. We all ran out as the hot metal along with flames was spreading fast across the floor.”

FAQs:

What caused the Visakhapatnam Steel Plant accident?

The exact cause is under investigation, though officials are examining possible technical or mechanical failures in the ladle system.

What relief has been announced for the victims?

Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh for the families of the deceased and Rs 50,000 for the injured.