VSP blast death toll rises to nine, father’s last video for his sons
Paidiraju, a contract worker at the Visakhapatnam steel plant, who died of burns sustained in the June 8 blast. File | Photo credit: Special arrangement
The death toll in the Visakhapatnam Steel Plant (VSP) blast rose to nine on Wednesday (June 10, 2026) after a critically injured contract worker succumbed to burns while undergoing treatment at MGM Seven Hills Hospital.
The labourer, Paidiraju, 50, was a resident of Gangavaram in Gajuwaka. He is survived by his wife and two sons. Paidiraju was among six workers seriously injured in an explosion at SMS-1 VSP on Monday (June 8, 2026).
Paidiraju, a laborer who was seriously injured in the Visakha steel plant accident, also died today
Verma… Take care brother… Take good care of mother, Paidiraju who spoke to his family members for the last time and left everyone in tears.
He is undergoing treatment at Seven Hills Hospital… pic.twitter.com/WADIMFUsNx
— YSR Congress Party (@YSRCParty) June 10, 2026
According to hospital sources, Paidiraju suffered more than 90% burns in the accident. He was first admitted to Visakha Steel General Hospital and later shifted to MGM Seven Hills Hospital for advanced treatment.
Despite intensive care treatment in the burn unit, he died on Wednesday. His body was later taken to King George Hospital (KGH) for post-mortem.
Five injured workers from the Visakhapatnam steel plant accident have been shifted to private hospitals, said 108 Service District Manager M. Suresh.
One has 90% burns, two 40% and one 10%. Five ambulances are on standby and rescue operations are ongoing.
Video: @Harish_Gilaipic.twitter.com/uLpFaJ4HhA
— The Hindu – Andhra Pradesh (@THAndhra) June 8, 2026
His death left the family heartbroken. Visakhapatnam South MLA P. Vamsi Krishna Srinivas visited Paidiraju’s house and consoled the family, especially his two sons. The MLA assured them that the state government would provide all possible help during this difficult time.
Mr. Paidiraju’s death attracted widespread attention after a video he shot in an ambulance while being shifted from Visakha Steel General Hospital to MGM Seven Hills Hospital went viral on social media. Fearing he might not survive, he recorded a message for his family despite being in great pain and struggling to speak.
In his video, Mr. Paidiraju addressed his elder son and urged him to take responsibility of the family and take care of his younger brother. He told his children to continue their education, remain united, avoid quarrels and take care of their mother. He ended up affectionately calling his son “Daddy”, a term commonly used by fathers in the region for their sons.
The emotional video has reached thousands of people across social media platforms, with many expressing their grief over his passing and expressing their condolences to the family.
Published – 10 June 2026 13:00 IST