An accident at the Visakhapatnam Steel Plant has prompted swift response from the government, with Union Steel Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy visited the site and announced an ex-gratia payment of ₹25 lakh for families of the deceased and ₹10 lakh for the injured.

The government has assured long-term support, affected families may continue living in plant quarters, their children will receive free education, and one member from each family will be offered permanent employment.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced additional assistance through the PM National Relief Fund, including ₹2 lakh for families of those who died and ₹50,000 for the injured. He also reaffirmed the Centre’s commitment to the revival and growth of the Visakhapatnam Steel Plant.

The accident claimed eight lives and injured six others, with two workers in critical condition. The incident occurred during a casting operation when a sudden explosion took place before molten steel was poured into the tundish, resulting in a massive fire.

The Ministry of Steel has formed a special expert committee to investigate the cause, inspect the site and recommend safety improvements across the industry. Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu also reviewed the situation with senior officials, while President Droupadi Murmu and Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan expressed grief over the loss of lives.