Eight workers killed, six critically injured after a blast rocked Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Limited (RINL) plant in Visakhapatnam Monday,June 8,2026 . Explosion hit around 4:40 p.m., when ladle of molten steel blew, spewing hundreds of tonnes of hot metal, sparking a massive fire .
Blast struck in steel melting shop unit, where molten steel's intense heat,nearly 1,600 degrees Celsius, made rescue tough . District Collector M. Abhishikth Kishore said victims included five regular workers, three contract workers, and a manager-level officer. Identities not released yet .
Emergency services raced to scene,ten ambulances sent . M. Suresh, District Manager of 108 Ambulance Services,said several victims had severe burns,some 40% to 90%. Injured rushed to top city hospitals for urgent care.
Rescue operations hampered by thick smoke, flames engulfing facility, trapping people inside. Firefighters, emergency teams battled late into night under dangerous conditions to put out fire, rescue those trapped. Five ambulances stayed on standby as situation evolved .
Political leaders offered condolences, called for swift action. Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced ₹2 lakh ex gratia from PM National Relief Fund for deceased families, ₹50,000 for injured. Chief Minister N . Chandrababu Naidu expressed deep shock, coordinated with local officials for full relief operation .
“Saddened by mishap at Visakhapatnam Steel Plant . Condolences to those who have lost their loved ones,” Modi posted on social media.
Naidu sent Home Minister V. Anitha and Visakhapatnam MP M. Sribharat to site to oversee rescue. He stressed quick action,support for affected families. Meanwhile,Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy,Leader of Opposition,called for thorough,transparent probe,stressing worker safety needs priority in industry.
As investigation continues,focus stays on finding what led to this disaster,ensuring it doesn't happen again. Community mourns, many demand better safety in steel industry…
