Visakhapatnam: Massive fire at steel plant – eight dead

A major fire accident at the Visakhapatnam Steel Plant today claimed eight lives and left six others injured. According to preliminary information, the incident occurred in the CCD section of Steel Melting Shop-2 (SMS-2) when buckets carrying hot molten metal reportedly fell from a ladle, triggering a sudden surge of molten metal and causing the accident.

Security personnel, fire service teams and emergency response units rushed to the spot and launched rescue and relief operations. The injured workers were shifted to nearby hospitals for treatment, while rescue efforts continued at the site.

Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan and Prime Minister Narendra Modi have expressed grief over the loss of lives. In a social media post, Mr. Radhakrishnan conveyed his condolences to the bereaved families and wished a speedy recovery to those injured in the incident.

In a social media post, the Prime Minister conveyed his condolences to the families who lost their loved ones. He also wished for a speedy recovery of those injured in the incident. The Prime Minister noted that the local authorities are providing all possible assistance to those affected. Mr Modi also announced an ex-gratia of two lakh rupees for the next of kin of each deceased and fifty thousand rupees for the injured from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund.

Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu expressed grief over the loss of lives and directed officials to ensure coordinated rescue and relief operations. He instructed authorities to provide the best possible medical care to the injured and extend all necessary assistance to the affected families.

The Chief Minister also ordered a detailed inquiry into the incident to ascertain the cause of the accident. Senior plant officials and technical teams are at the site monitoring the situation. Operations in the affected section of the plant have been suspended, while assessment and rescue work continue. Further details are awaited.

CISF Report: On 08 June 2026 at approximately 1630 hrs, a blast occurred at Machine No. 2 Ladle in the SMS-1 Continuous Casting Department (CCD) Area of Visakhapatnam Steel Plant, Visakhapatnam.

Upon receipt of the emergency call, CISF Fire Wing personnel responded immediately and initiated rescue and firefighting operations. The fire was brought under control using water spray through diffuser branches, preventing further spread.

Rescue teams evacuated casualties from the affected area, including through stairways from a height of approximately 25 metres. Additional CISF Fire Service personnel from Unit Lines and B&S Fire Station were mobilized to support the ongoing response and rescue efforts.

CISF personnel continue to assist the plant management, local police, district administration, APSFS, NDRF and SDRF in rescue, evacuation, site management and maintenance of law & order.

The incident has unfortunately resulted in loss of lives and injuries. CISF expresses its deepest condolences to the bereaved families and wishes a speedy recovery to those undergoing treatment.

Fire accident at Vishakhapatnam Steel Plant (VSP) under Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Limited (RINL)

At about 16:15 hours, on 8th June 2026, caster- 2 of Steel Melt Shop-1 at VSP was under casting. Before slide gate opening to pour hot crude steel from Ladle to Tundish, which could eventually have gone to caster, sudden severe explosion took place. A severe ball of fire rose up to the ceiling. Overhead crane-2 caught fire.

8 persons succumbed to injuries. 6 more persons are injured and admitted to the hospital undergoing treatment. RINL is investigating the accident.

In addition, a 3-member external enquiry committee led by Director -in-charge Bokaro of SAIL has also been assigned to enquire into the accident. On getting information about the unfortunate accident, Hon’ble Steel Minister is visiting RINL steel plant. He will meet the injured and visit the accident site.