Vizag Steel Plant Fire: What We Know So Far About Molten Steel Leak That Killed Several Workers

A major accident at the Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Limited (RINL) steel plant in Visakhapatnam on Monday has left several workers dead and many others injured after molten steel leaked inside the facility, triggering a massive fire. While rescue operations continue, authorities are still working to determine the exact toll and circumstances surrounding the tragedy.

Here is what we know so far about the incident.

Molten Steel Spill Triggered the Deadly Fire

The accident occurred at around 4.30 pm in the Continuous Casting Department (CCD) under the Steel Melting Shop (SMS) section of the plant.

According to police officials, the mishap took place when molten steel was being transported in a bucket attached to a crane. During the operation, a large quantity of the molten metal spilled unexpectedly. The material was reportedly at an extremely high temperature of nearly 1,600 degrees Celsius.

The spill led to an intense fire, trapping workers who were in the vicinity of the operational area.

"A ladle carrying molten steel suddenly malfunctioned, causing a large quantity of liquid metal to spill. The intense heat and resulting fire trapped workers in the vicinity, leading to multiple casualties," a trade union leader said.

Death Toll Yet to Be Officially Confirmed

The exact number of fatalities remains uncertain as authorities continue rescue and assessment efforts.

Trade union leaders claimed that nine bodies had been recovered from the accident site. However, the RINL management has not yet issued any official statement confirming the death toll.

According to information shared with Andhra Pradesh Health Minister Satya Kumar Yadav by Visakhapatnam district health officials, the bodies of four deceased workers had reached the steel plant's general hospital.

Officials are expected to provide a clearer picture once rescue operations are completed.

Eyewitnesses Recount Massive Blaze

Another account from workers at the site suggested the incident occurred during operations related to NTC-3 Heat F.

According to eyewitnesses, a substantial quantity of molten steel leaked while it was being lifted, resulting in a massive blaze that quickly spread through the work area. The intense heat generated by the molten metal complicated rescue efforts and created dangerous conditions for emergency responders.

Several injured workers were shifted for treatment while rescue teams searched the affected section.

Chief Minister Orders Rescue Operations

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu expressed shock over the incident and sought details from steel plant authorities soon after learning about the accident.

"He spoke to the steel plant authorities and enquired about the incident. He asked the district authorities to rush to the spot and take up rescue operations," an official statement said.

Rescue and assessment work continued late into the evening as authorities attempted to determine the full extent of the damage and casualties.

Investigation Expected Into Cause of Mishap

While preliminary accounts point to a malfunction involving equipment used to transport molten steel, the exact cause of the accident has not yet been officially established.

Investigators are expected to examine whether equipment failure, operational lapses or other factors contributed to the leak and subsequent fire. The findings could prove crucial in understanding one of the most serious industrial accidents to hit the Visakhapatnam steel plant in recent years.