Visakhapatnam: A devastating industrial accident at the Visakhapatnam Steel Plant on Monday evening claimed the lives of eight workers and left six others seriously injured after a sudden explosion involving molten steel inside the plant's steel-making unit.The incident happened in the Steel Melting Shop sector at approximately 4:15 PM when employees were performing standard casting operations.According to officials, molten steel was being transferred from a ladle to a tundish when an unexpected explosion occurred, sending a huge fireball through the work area.

The blast quickly triggered a major fire, engulfing nearby equipment and creating panic among employees present at the site. Witnesses said the molten metal, heated to nearly 1,500 degrees Celsius, spread rapidly, leaving little opportunity for workers to move to safety.Firefighters and rescue professionals were among the emergency reaction teams that raced to the damaged unit and started a quick operation to put out the fire and evacuate the workers. The damaged section of the plant was cleared as a precaution to prevent further casualties.Five of the deceased were permanent employees of the steel plant, while three were contract workers. The victims have been identified as Ginthina Bhanu Kumar, G.V. Appa Rao, M. Krishna, K. Prabhakar, G. Kumar, Ramana, Trinadh, and N. Appala Raju.

The injured workers — R. Mallikarjuna Rao, P. After receiving treatment in the plant's hospital, Srinu, Arjuna Appa Rao, Satyanand, Pydiraju, and Suribabu were transferred to the city's specialized medical facilities. Officials indicated that some of them remain in critical condition.Following the tragedy, authorities launched a detailed investigation to determine the exact cause of the explosion. The plant's operator, Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Limited (RINL), has established an investigation. Additionally, a three-person independent committee led by a senior Bokaro Steel Plant executive has been tasked with conducting a thorough investigation.

The plant's operator, Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Limited (RINL), has established an investigation. Additionally, a three-person independent committee led by a senior Bokaro Steel Plant executive has been tasked with conducting a thorough investigation. However, investigators are examining all technical and operational aspects to establish what led to the fatal accident.Union Steel Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy expressed grief over the loss of lives and assured that the injured workers would receive the best possible medical care. He is expected to visit the plant and review the situation personally.

The incident is being regarded as one of the most serious industrial accidents in the recent history of the Visakhapatnam Steel Plant, raising fresh concerns about workplace safety in heavy manufacturing units across the country.