Union Steel Minister HD Kumaraswamy Announces Ex-Gratia For Visakhapatnam Steel Plant Accident Victims

Union Steel Minister H. D. Kumaraswamy and Civil Aviation Minister Rammohan Naidu visited the Visakhapatnam Steel Plant accident site last night. Mr Kumaraswamy expressed condolences to the families of the deceased workers and announced an ex gratia of 25 lakh rupees for the next of kin of the deceased and 10 lakh rupees for those injured. In addition, affected families will be allowed to continue residing in steel plant quarters, their children will receive free education and one member of each family will be provided permanent employment. Mr. Kumaraswamy said

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also announced financial assistance of 2 lakh rupees to the families of the deceased and 50,000 rupees to the injured through the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund. He stated that the Centre remains committed to the revival and development of the Visakhapatnam Steel Plant and assured employees that all necessary steps would be taken to support affected families. To determine the cause of the accident, the Union Steel Ministry has constituted a special committee comprising experts from other steel plants. The committee will inspect the site and submit a detailed report on the incident and measures required to strengthen safety standards.

Eight people were killed in the fire accident at the Visakhapatnam Steel Plant of Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Limited last evening. Six people were injured, with the condition of two being critical. The Union Ministry of Steel said the accident occurred during casting operations when a sudden and severe explosion took place before the slide gate was opened to pour molten steel into the tundish. Following the explosion, a massive ball of fire rose to the ceiling.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu reviewed the situation with the state Chief Secretary, Visakhapatnam District Collector and other officials. President Droupadi Murmu, Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan and Prime Minister Narendra Modi have expressed grief over the loss of lives in the fire incident and prayed for the speedy recovery of those injured.

Andhra Pradesh CM Naidu Announces Ex Gratia For Victims Of Pilgrim Bus Accident

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has expressed deep sorrow over the road accident involving a private bus carrying pilgrims from Nellore district in Bihar and announced financial assistance for the victims and their families. The Chief Minister announced an ex gratia of five lakh rupees each for the families of the three pilgrims who lost their lives in the accident. He also announced two lakh rupees each for those who sustained serious injuries and one lakh rupees each for those who suffered minor injuries.

The private bus, which left Nellore district for a Kashi pilgrimage, met with an accident in Bihar after reportedly colliding with an oncoming lorry. Three pilgrims lost their lives in the incident, while 15 others were injured. Officials said the condition of some of the injured remains critical.

Mr. Naidu assured that the state government would extend full support to the affected families. He also directed officials to coordinate with local authorities and, if required, deploy special teams to assist the victims and ensure smooth relief and rehabilitation efforts.