VISAKHAPATNAM: The death toll in the June 8 accident at Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Limited (RINL), the corporate entity of the Visakhapatnam Steel Plant, rose to 10 on Saturday after another injured worker succumbed to burn injuries while undergoing treatment at a private hospital in the city.
The deceased, G Suribabu, a contract worker from Seethanagaram village in Pedagantyada mandal, had sustained burns in the accident at the Steel Melt Shop-1 (SMS-1). He was undergoing treatment at MGM Seven Hills Hospital, where he died on Saturday afternoon. Suribabu is survived by his wife Varalakshmi, son Lokesh and daughter Prameela.
The accident occurred on June 8 when a ladle carrying molten steel exploded at the SMS-1 unit of the plant. Eight workers died in the incident, while another injured worker, Kandula Paidiraju, succumbed to injuries on June 10.
According to details, six workers had sustained injuries in the accident. With Suribabu’s death, the number of fatalities has risen to 10. Two injured workers have since been discharged from hospital, while two others continue to undergo treatment and are reported to be stable.
The incident has renewed concerns over safety practices at the steel plant, with trade unions raising issues relating to manpower shortages, maintenance standards and workplace safety.
A three-member external expert committee headed by the Director-in-Charge of Bokaro Steel Plant is conducting an inquiry into the accident to ascertain its cause. Meanwhile, it is learnt that RINL management has placed 22 employees under suspension pending investigation. The suspended personnel include employees from the Steel Melt Shop, Material Management and Quality Assurance departments.
Gajuwaka MLA and TDP State president Palla Srinivasa Rao visited King George Hospital, where Suribabu’s body was shifted for post-mortem examination. He met the bereaved family members and assured them of support. He also urged officials to complete the formalities and hand over the body to family at the earliest.
The accident is among the deadliest industrial incidents reported at the steel plant in recent years and has intensified calls for a comprehensive review of safety systems and operational procedures.