Monday afternoon saw a catastrophic event at Visakhapatnam Steel Plant in Andhra Pradesh. Eight workers feared dead. Around 4:40 p.m.,a ladle of liquid steel exploded in Continuous Casting Department of Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Limited (RINL)-operated facility. A massive fire ignited,spilling molten steel across shop floor .
Reports say explosion inflicted severe burns on many workers. Six were hospitalized: R. Mallikharjuna Rao, P. Srinivasa Rao,A . Appa Rao,Satyanarayana, G. Suribabu,Paidiraju. They were rushed to KIMS and Seven Hills hospitals. Bodies of deceased sent to King George Hospital for postmortem.
Rescue operations were hampered by thick smoke and flames. Several workers trapped. Fire tenders,rescue teams from plant and state departments worked late into night to douse flames and aid those in danger.
Molten steel was about 1,600 degrees Celsius. Rescue efforts complicated. Official death toll still not confirmed.
Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu expressed deep sorrow in response to tragedy. He took to social media,expressing distress over loss of life, instructed authorities to coordinate rescue and relief. “I am deeply saddened to learn that several workers have lost their lives,” he stated.
Naidu called senior district,plant officials to review situation,emphasized swift medical care for injured. Home Minister Vangalapudi Anitha cut short her official visit in nearby district to assess plant situation. She communicated with local officials to ensure prompt,adequate treatment for injured.
District in-charge Minister Dola Sree Bala Veeranjaneya Swamy and Minister Kinjarapu Atchannaidu conveyed condolences. They urged officials to expedite relief efforts,ensure proper care for injured.
Tragedy caught attention of opposition leaders. Former Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy,YSR Congress Party president,called for thorough investigation. Urged focus on worker safety in industrial settings,asked party members in Visakhapatnam to support affected families.
Incident at Visakhapatnam Steel Plant spotlights ongoing safety concerns in India's industrial sector. As rescue operations continue,focus remains on caring for injured,uncovering cause of this devastating explosion…
