Daijiworld Media Network - Visakhapatnam
Visakhapatnam, Jun 10: The death toll from the devastating accident at the Visakhapatnam Steel Plant has risen to nine after an injured contract worker, Pydiraju, succumbed to his injuries while undergoing treatment at Seven Hills Hospital on Wednesday.
The fatal incident occurred on Monday when a ladle carrying molten steel exploded inside the plant, triggering a massive leak of metal heated to nearly 1,500 degrees Celsius. The explosion claimed eight lives on the spot and left six workers seriously injured.
Pydiraju, one of the injured workers, had suffered severe burns in the accident. A video recorded while he was being transported to the hospital later surfaced on social media, drawing widespread attention. In the emotional message, fearing for his life, he urged his elder son, Varma, to care for the family and support his younger brother's education.
Following his death, five injured workers continue to receive treatment at hospitals, with some remaining in critical condition.
After inspecting the accident site on Tuesday, Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan announced a comprehensive relief package for the affected families. The government will provide Rs 25 lakh in compensation to the family of each deceased worker, along with employment opportunities at the steel plant for one eligible family member.
For workers undergoing intensive medical treatment, financial assistance of ?10 lakh each has been sanctioned. The Deputy Chief Minister also stated that the steel plant management will bear the complete cost of treatment for all injured employees.
In addition to the compensation package, the families of permanent employees who lost their lives will receive retirement-related benefits amounting to Rs 1.72 crore, while the families of deceased contract workers will be provided Rs 45.75 lakh.
The state government has also assured long-term support to the affected families. The education of children of the deceased workers will be fully supported, and families currently residing in steel plant quarters will be allowed to continue living there free of cost until the employee's retirement age. Families living in rented accommodation outside the township will have the option of being allotted quarters within the steel plant colony.
To determine the cause of the accident, a three-member expert committee from Bokaro Steel Plant has been tasked with conducting a detailed investigation. Authorities said further action will be taken based on the findings of the inquiry panel.
The tragic accident has once again raised concerns about industrial safety standards, as families and colleagues mourn the loss of workers while awaiting answers from the official investigation.