Visakhapatnam: A sudden, “severe” explosion in Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Ltd (Vizag Steel Plant) here killed eight workers and injured six more on Monday.
According to a Press Information Bureau press release, the explosion occurred around 4:15 pm in the steel plant’s Steel Melt Shop-1.
An ex gratia of Rs 2 lakh from PMNRF (Prime Minister National Relief Fund) would be given to the next of kin of each deceased, he said, adding that the injured would be given Rs 50,000.
Likewise, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu said the steel plant accident left him deeply shocked.
“I am distressed to learn that several workers have lost their lives in this accident. I have spoken to the concerned officials and directed them to undertake relief measures in coordination with all government departments,” said Naidu in a post on X.
Visakhapatnam district collector M Abhishikth Kishore said the accident occurred at 4.15 pm on Monday.
He observed that the six injured workers were shifted to two private hospitals in the port city.
According to the police, molten iron spilt while being moved in a bucket by a crane.
Police said the molten iron was extremely hot at about 1,600 degrees Celsius.
