The death toll in the accident at the Visakhapatnam Steel Plant has risen to nine after another injured worker succumbed to his injuries on Wednesday while undergoing treatment at Seven Hills Hospital. The victim, identified as contract worker Pydiraju, was among those critically injured in the blast that occurred on Monday involving a ladle carrying molten steel.
The industrial accident had initially claimed eight lives and left six others injured when a ladle carrying molten metal exploded inside the plant premises. According to officials, the incident occurred when a large quantity of molten steel leaked following the explosion of the container, which was carrying steel at extremely high temperatures of around 1,500 degrees Celsius.
A video message reportedly recorded by the injured worker while being shifted to the hospital later surfaced on social media. In the emotional recording, he was heard giving instructions to his elder son to take care of the family and ensure the continued education of his younger sibling, highlighting the human impact of the tragedy that has deeply affected workers and their families.
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At present, five injured workers are receiving treatment at different hospitals. Medical teams continue to monitor their condition closely as authorities coordinate support measures for the affected families. The incident has also raised concerns over safety protocols in high-risk industrial environments such as steel manufacturing units.
Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan, who visited the accident site, announced a compensation package for the victims’ families. He stated that Rs 25 lakh would be provided to the family of each deceased worker, along with employment opportunities for one eligible family member in the plant. For seriously injured workers in intensive care, compensation of Rs 10 lakh each has been announced.
The Deputy Chief Minister also said that the government will ensure full medical coverage for the injured workers and continued educational support for the children of the deceased. He added that a committee from Bokaro Steel Plant has been formed to investigate the cause of the explosion, and further action will be taken based on its findings, as authorities work to determine accountability and prevent future incidents.
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