Overview
- A powerful molten‑metal explosion in the Steel Melting Shop at Visakhapatnam Steel Plant on June 8 killed nine workers and left several others with severe burns, with one injured worker still in critical condition.
- A three‑member expert committee appointed by the Union ministry of steel has begun an on‑site probe and its preliminary assessment points to a sudden release of gases trapped in molten steel as the likely trigger.
- The National Human Rights Commission has taken suo motu cognisance and asked the Andhra Pradesh chief secretary for a detailed report within two weeks covering the injured workers’ health and payment of ex‑gratia.
- State officials announced compensation and jobs for next of kin while opposition leaders demanded an extra Rs 1 crore and questioned plant safety and management decisions.
- Plant operations are returning slowly after the shutdown but a separate ladle leak that caused no injuries has left workers reluctant to return and raised fresh concerns about maintenance, staff cuts and long‑standing safety shortfalls.