The death toll from the June 8 accident at Visakhapatnam Steel Plant has reached 10, as another worker, G. Suribabu, passed away due to injuries sustained in the incident. The accident occurred when a ladle carrying molten steel exploded at the SMS-1 unit of Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Limited (RINL), causing the molten steel to leak at a temperature of about 1,500 degrees Celsius.
Eight workers lost their lives in the accident, while six others were injured. Following the incident, Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan visited the site and announced compensation of Rs 25 lakh for the families of the deceased workers, along with job offers at the plant for one family member. Additionally, he pledged Rs 10 lakh each for the seriously injured workers in the ICU.
Pawan Kalyan also disclosed that retirement benefits of Rs 1.72 crore would be given to permanent employees and Rs 45.75 lakh to contract employees. The plant management will cover all expenses for the treatment of the injured workers. Gajuwaka MLA Palla Srinivasa Rao expressed condolences over Suribabu’s demise, assuring support to the affected families and overseeing necessary procedures promptly.
Rao emphasized the government’s commitment to worker welfare and safety, urging enhanced vigilance and safety measures at the plant to prevent future accidents. An external expert committee is investigating the accident’s cause, led by the Director-in-Charge of Bokaro Steel Plant. Meanwhile, RINL management has suspended 22 employees from various departments pending the investigation.
