Published Jun 09, 2026 | 7:48 AM ⚊ Updated Jun 09, 2026 | 7:48 AM
Union Minister HD Kumaraswamy visited the Vizag Steel Plant following the accident.
Synopsis: Union Minister HD Kumaraswamy visited the Visakhapatnam Steel Plant (RINL) following the tragic industrial accident that claimed eight lives and left six others injured. Kumaraswamy directed officials to ensure a thorough investigation and to strengthen safety protocols across operations to prevent such incidents in the future.
Union Minister for Steel and Heavy Industries HD Kumaraswamy visited the Visakhapatnam Steel Plant (RINL) late on Monday, 8 June, following the tragic industrial accident that claimed eight lives and left six others injured.
Soon after receiving information about the incident, the Union minister closely monitored developments, held discussions with senior officials, and travelled to Visakhapatnam to personally review the situation.
“I travelled to Visakhapatnam immediately upon receiving information about the incident and reviewed the situation with senior officials. I also met the injured workers undergoing treatment and directed the management to ensure the best possible medical care and extend all necessary support to the affected families,” he said and assured them of all possible support from the Ministry of Steel and RINL.
Also Read: Eight workers killed as molten steel ladle collapses in Vizag Steel Plant
The accident occurred at approximately 4.15 pm on Monday during operations at Caster-2 of Steel Melt Shop-1. Before the slide gate could be opened to pour hot crude steel from the ladle to the tundish, a sudden and severe explosion took place,
According to preliminary reports, a ladle carrying molten steel boiling at approximately 1,500 degrees Celsius, collapsed during a lifting operation, causing the superheated metal to spill onto workers.
resulting in a massive fireball and subsequent fire in an overhead crane. Eight people succumbed to their injuries, while six others are undergoing treatment.
RINL has initiated an internal investigation into the incident. In addition, a three-member independent enquiry committee headed by the Director-in-Charge of Bokaro Steel Plant, SAIL, has been constituted to determine the cause of the accident and recommend corrective measures.
“RINL has announced ex ex-gratia compensation of ₹25 lakh in addition to admissible terminal benefits and employment for one eligible family member of each deceased worker. Severely injured persons will receive ₹10 lakh each, while the entire cost of treatment will be borne by RINL,” Kumaraswamy said.
“RINL will also take care of the education of the children of both the deceased and injured workers and continue to support their families by providing quarters and other requested benefits during this difficult period,” he added.
Reiterating that the safety and welfare of steel sector workers remain paramount, Kumaraswamy directed officials to ensure a thorough investigation and to strengthen safety protocols across operations to prevent such incidents in the future.
The Union minister also visited the hospital where the injured workers are undergoing treatment and interacted with the injured employees and their family members.
