Visakhapatnam steel plant accident: eight dead in pan explosion, fire at SMS-1
Visakhapatnam Steel Plant Tragedy: On June 8, 2026, the injured was taken to MGM Seven Hills Hospital in Visakhapatnam. Photo credit: V. Raju
Eight workers were killed and six injured in an explosion at a Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Limited (RINL) factory in Visakhapatnam on Monday (June 8, 2026), officials said. The explosion sparked a massive fire at the facility and led to the release of hundreds of tons of molten steel, they added.
A major industrial accident occurred at RINL, Visakhapatnam Steel Plant (VSP) at around 4.40 pm when a ladle carrying hot liquid steel exploded in a unit of the steel plant. The injured suffered serious burn injuries, sources said.
Eight workers are feared dead after molten steel fell on them at the RINL-Visakhapatnam Steel Plant (VSP) on Monday.
Molten steel reportedly spilled from the ladle while workers were working below.
Further details were awaited. pic.twitter.com/1uIms6RuC0
— The Hindu – Andhra Pradesh (@THAndhra) June 8, 2026
In an official statement, District Collector M. Abhishikth Kishore confirmed that five regular workers and three contract workers were killed, while a manager-level officer was also said to be among the casualties. The dead were not immediately identified. A round-the-clock control room (telephone numbers 0891-2590100 and 2590102) has been set up in the Collectorate, which coordinates activities with officials and relatives of the victim.
Speaking to The Hindu, District Manager of 108 Ambulance Services M. Suresh said that 10 ambulances were deployed to the spot immediately as per the instructions of the District Medical Officer of Health (DMHO) and the Collector. “We have shifted several victims with severe burns ranging from 40% to 90%, while five ambulances remain at the scene to assist the rescue teams,” Mr Suresh said.
Heavy smoke hampers rescue operations
Earlier, thick smoke and high flames trapped several employees inside the facility’s workshop. Firefighters and rescue teams from both the steel mill and the State Department rushed to the scene and worked late into the night in dangerous conditions to put out the flames and rescue the trapped workers.
Police officials monitoring the rescue operation noted that the molten metal was kept at an ultra-high temperature of nearly 1,600 degrees Celsius before it spilled, making immediate access to the main blast zone difficult.
The injured were identified as R. Mallikharjuna Rao, P. Srinivasa Rao, A. Appa Rao, Satyanarayana, G. Suribabu and Paidiraju. There were rush services to the leading corporate hospitals in the city.
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
Political leaders express grief, demand inquiry
Expressing grief over the accident, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced an ex gratia of ₹2,000 from the PM National Relief Fund (PMNRF) to the next of kin of each deceased and ₹50,000 to the injured.
Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu expressed deep shock at the loss of life. In a post on X (earlier Twitter), Mr Naidu expressed deep concern and said he had spoken to Visakhapatnam District Collector and City Police Commissioner Shankhabrata Bagchi to coordinate a rapid multi-departmental rescue operation. He sent Home Minister V. Anith and Visakhapatnam MP M. Sribharat to the post to oversee the rescue operations.
Saddened by the Visakhapatnam steel mill disaster. Sincere condolences to those who have lost loved ones. They pray that the injuries will heal as soon as possible. Local authorities provide all possible assistance to those affected.
Ex-gratia Rs. 2 crores from PMNRF…
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) June 8, 2026
Union Ministry of Heavy Industries (Steel) HD Kumaraswamy expressed his grief and ordered an air ambulance for the needy. He is expected to visit the site on June 9.
Visakhapatnam MP M Sribharat and Home Minister Vangalapudi Anitha talk to Visakhapatnam Steel Plant officials after the accident on Monday. | Photo credit: V. Raju
Meanwhile, Leader of Opposition and YSRCP President YS Jagan Mohan Reddy condoled the death of the workers and demanded a comprehensive and transparent inquiry into the security lapses. He emphasized that the safety of the workers must be given top priority in the industrial zones and ordered the local party cadres to provide all possible support to the families of the bereaved.
The Visakhapatnam steel plant accident shocked me deeply. I am saddened to know that many workers lost their lives in this accident. I spoke to the officials concerned and directed that relief measures be taken in coordination with all government departments.
— N Chandrababu Naidu (@ncbn) June 8, 2026
Visakhapatnam steel plant fatal accident is most tragic: YS Jagan
Former Chief Minister and YSRCP President Mr. YS Jagan expressed deep shock that many workers died in the fatal accident at the Visakhapatnam Steel Plant.
Steel smelting… pic.twitter.com/gSJbXOxUJb
— YSR Congress Party (@YSRCParty) June 8, 2026
Published – 08 Jun 2026 18:54 IST