Visakhapatnam: At least eight workers were killed and several others injured in a major accident at the Vizag Steel Plant in Andhra Pradesh on Monday.
According to preliminary reports, a ladle carrying molten steel exploded inside the steel plant, spewing hot metal all around. All of those killed died on the spot. The injured have been rushed to hospital where some are reported to be serious.
The accident occurred at the SMS-2 and STC-3 heat facility of the steel plant when a large quantity of molten steel leaked following the
explosion. The ladle was carrying steel at a very high temperature, it has been reported by India Today.
Authorities told PTI that the temperature of the molten steel was about 1,600 degrees Celsius.
The explosion and the ensuing fire triggered panic at the facility, forcing workers and employees to scramble for safety. Steel plant personnel rushed to the spot and began efforts to bring the fire under control.
Vizag Steel Plant circle inspector Kesav Rao confirmed the incident and said that eight workers lost their lives and several others sustained injuries after the molten steel leak caused by the explosion.
Andhra Pradesh chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu expressed shock over the incident. He spoke to officials regarding the accident and conveyed deep sorrow over the deaths of the workers.
Officials briefed Naidu on the current situation and the relief measures being undertaken. The CM directed officials to take supportive measures in coordination with all departments to assist those affected by the accident.
This is the second accident at the steel plant in less than a month. In May, four workers were badly affected by a gas leak at the plant.