A fatal industrial accident at a steel factory in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, left eight people dead, according to reports.
Officials said a container transporting molten steel burst and scattered, triggering a fire. The molten metal was being carried at extremely high temperatures, reported to be around 1,600°C.
Several workers sustained injuries and are receiving treatment in hospital. Rescue teams rushed to the spot and brought the blaze under control after efforts to contain it.
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu expressed shock over the incident and directed officials to provide immediate assistance to those affected.
Leaders also conveyed condolences. Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan said he was saddened by the explosion and offered sympathies to bereaved families, wishing the injured a speedy recovery. Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced ex-gratia from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund—Rs 2 lakh for each deceased person’s family and Rs 50,000 for each injured person.
