A horrific industrial accident transpired at a steel plant in Andhra Pradesh’s Visakhapatnam on Monday, after a ladle exploded there, leading to a massive spill of molten iron, claiming lives of eight workers, officials said. According to officials, the death toll is likely to rise and rescue teams are persevering in efforts amid disastrous and fearsome conditions.

Incident occurs at Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Ltd

Officials aware of the incident said the tragedy occurred at the SMS-2 and STC-3 heat facility of Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Ltd (RINL), where a ladle laden with molten steel at extremely high temperatures exploded, triggering a large-scale leak of molten metal. The sudden blast sent a wave of panic among workers, many of whom scrambled to escape the hazardous zone as flames and intense heat engulfed the unit.

Molten metal was heated up to 1600 degrees Celsius

As per officials, the accident occurred while molten iron was being transported in a bucket attached to a crane. The material, heated close to 1600 degrees Celsius spilled in the aftermath of the explosion, leaving behind a trail of destruction.

Initial reports indicated that bodies of five workers had been recovered from the scene. However, later the police confirmed that at least eight people lost their lives in the tragedy, while several others sustained injuries of varying severity.

Visakhapatnam Steel Plant Circle Inspector Kesav Rao confirmed the death toll. Immediately after the incident, steel plant personnel and emergency responders rushed to the affected area and began efforts to contain the blaze, as well as secure the premises. Rescue teams continued combing the site amid concerns that more workers could have been trapped or affected by the blast.

AP CM expresses grief

Andhra Pradesh CM N Chandrababu Naidu expressed profound shock and sorrow over the loss of lives. After learning about the incident, he spoke to senior officials in a bid to assess the situation and review the progress of the rescue operations, which are still underway.

Officials briefed him on the extent of the accident, the condition of the ones injured and the relief measures being adopted on the field.

In response, CM Naidu directed all the departments concerned to work in close coordination so that rescue and relief efforts could succeed. He also instructed the authorities to extend every possible assistance to the victims and their families.

The CM’s office released a statement, noting that multiple workers had succumbed in the incident and underlined the government’s commitment to providing support to the affected people.