Tragic Accident at Visakhapatnam Steel Plant Claims Nine Lives
Accident Overview
Photo: @SimplifyingFire/X
Visakhapatnam, June 10: The toll from the tragic incident at the Visakhapatnam Steel Plant has risen to nine, following the death of a worker who was receiving treatment at a local hospital.
The deceased, identified as Pydiraju, was a contract worker who passed away at Seven Hills Hospital.
Initially, eight individuals lost their lives, and six others sustained injuries when a ladle filled with molten steel exploded at the facility on Monday.
Officials reported that the explosion caused a significant leak of molten steel, which was at an extremely high temperature of approximately 1,500 degrees Celsius.
A video recorded by Pydiraju while being transported to the hospital gained traction on social media, where he expressed fears for his life and left heartfelt instructions for his elder son, Varma, to care for his mother and ensure his younger brother's education.
Currently, five injured workers are receiving medical care at two different hospitals.
Following a visit to the site on Tuesday, Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan announced a compensation package of Rs 25 lakh for the families of each deceased worker, along with job placements for one family member of the victims. Additionally, Rs 10 lakh will be provided to those seriously injured and in ICU care.
Furthermore, Pawan Kalyan disclosed that Rs 1.72 crore would be allocated for permanent employees' retirement benefits, while Rs 45.75 lakh would be designated for contract workers. The management of the plant will cover all medical expenses for the injured.
The Deputy CM assured that the education of the deceased workers' children would be supported, and families could reside in the plant quarters free of charge until the retirement age of the deceased employees. Families currently renting homes outside the plant township will also be offered accommodation within the township if they choose to relocate.
A three-member committee from Bokaro Steel Plant will conduct a thorough investigation into the incident, with further actions to be determined based on their findings.