Major Industrial Mishap Reported at Vizag Steel Plant

A major industrial accident occurred at the Visakhapatnam Steel Plant on Monday after a ladle carrying molten steel reportedly detached and crashed to the ground in the Steel Melting Shop-1 (SMS-1) unit. Hundreds of tonnes of molten steel, heated to nearly 1,600 degrees Celsius, spilled across the shop floor, triggering a massive fire and creating panic inside the plant. A heavy-duty crane was severely damaged in the incident, while critical infrastructure, including power cables and operational systems, reportedly suffered extensive damage.

According to preliminary information, a technical malfunction in the ladle handling mechanism may have led to the accident. Several workers present near the site sustained injuries, and rescue and firefighting teams were immediately deployed. Authorities launched emergency operations to contain the blaze and search for anyone who may have been trapped. Meanwhile, workers' unions have alleged that inadequate maintenance and infrastructure issues contributed to the mishap and demanded a thorough investigation and accountability.