The deadly explosion at the Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Ltd (RINL), also known as Visakhapatnam Steel Plant in Andhra Pradesh’s Visakhapatnam, which killed eight workers, was caused by “sudden release of entrapped gases from liquid steel”, a preliminary investigation by the chief inspector of factories has found.
According to the investigation report, the explosion took place at around 4.15 pm Monday when the full steel ladle was being “rotated and centred” for casting. “Before opening the slide gate”, a sudden explosion took place, causing the ladle to tip and molten steel to .
With the explosion, “the overhead crane also caught fire”. A “ball of fire” rose from the explosion and extended up to the ceiling, a worker reported to the inspector of factories, the report read.
Sources in the Visakhapatnam Steel Plant management said an external safety audit is held every year and internal inspections are conducted every three months by the safety engineering department of the plant, which is under the Union Ministry of Steel.
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N expressed shock and grief over the accident. Naidu also spoke with the Visakhapatnam district collector and police commissioner and directed them to provide assistance to the families of the victims. Officials briefed the Andhra Pradesh chief minister on the ongoing situation and relief operations.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also expressed his sadness at the loss of lives and announced Rs 2 lakh ex gratia to the families of the deceased and Rs 50,000 to the injured.
Former chief minister and YSRCP president Y S also expressed grief over the accident. Jagan demanded a comprehensive inquiry and called for strict action against those found responsible. He stressed that worker safety must remain the highest priority in all industrial establishments.
In 2016, 16 workers died at the Vizag Steel Plant following the explosion of a newly commissioned oxygen plant. In December 2020, four workers were injured when molten steel spilt from one of the ladles at the same spot where the accident occurred Monday.
