Rescue operations continue after crane mishap triggers deadly industrial accident at steel melting unit
At least eight workers were killed and several others injured in a major industrial accident at the Visakhapatnam Steel Plant in Andhra Pradesh on Monday after molten iron spilled during a lifting operation inside the facility.
The accident occurred at the Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Limited (RINL)-run plant, popularly known as the Vizag Steel Plant. Rescue and search operations remained underway late into the day, with officials indicating that the casualty count could rise as teams continue to inspect the affected area.
Crane operation ends in tragedy
According to preliminary information, the mishap occurred when a crane-operated bucket carrying molten iron collapsed during a lifting operation.
The molten metal, reportedly heated to nearly 1,600 degrees Celsius, spilled over a large section of the work area, engulfing workers stationed nearby. The accident took place in the Steel Melting Shop units known as SMS-2 and SMS-3, where routine operations were underway at the time.
VIDEO | Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh: At least five workers were killed after molten iron spilled at the Vizag Steel Plant. Further details are awaited.
(Source: Third Party)
(Full video available on PTI Videos – https://t.co/n147TvrpG7) pic.twitter.com/2G0fnZmgFv
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) June 8, 2026
Officials said the intense heat and rapid spread of the molten iron left little opportunity for workers to escape.
Rescue and search operations underway
Emergency response teams rushed to the site immediately after the accident and launched rescue and evacuation efforts.
Authorities initially recovered several bodies from the affected area, while search operations continued to locate any workers who may still be trapped or unaccounted for.
Officials said the final casualty figure would be confirmed after the completion of rescue operations and a detailed assessment of the site.
Several workers sustain burn injuries
Apart from the fatalities, multiple workers suffered severe burn injuries after coming into contact with the molten metal.
Plant authorities activated emergency protocols, deploying medical teams and rescue personnel to the scene. The injured workers were shifted to nearby hospitals for treatment, with some reported to be in critical condition.
Hospital authorities are closely monitoring the injured and providing specialised care for burn-related trauma.
PM Modi announces ex-gratia
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief over the loss of lives in the accident and conveyed condolences to the families of the victims.
In a statement, the Prime Minister said he was saddened by the tragedy and prayed for the speedy recovery of those injured.
He also announced financial assistance from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF). The next of kin of each deceased worker will receive an ex-gratia payment of Rs 2 lakh, while those injured in the accident will be provided Rs 50,000.
The Prime Minister said local authorities are extending all possible support to those affected by the incident.
Investigation likely
Authorities are expected to conduct a detailed inquiry into the accident to determine the exact cause of the crane failure and assess whether safety protocols were followed during the operation.
The incident has once again raised concerns about industrial safety standards in heavy manufacturing units, particularly in high-temperature steel production environments.
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