Visakhapatnam Steel Plant Blast Toll Rises to 10; 22 Officials Suspended

The death toll from a blast at the Visakhapatnam Steel Plant has climbed to 10, with the latest fatality being a contract worker who succumbed to severe burn injuries. The incident, which occurred on June 8 when molten steel leaked in one of the units, initially killed eight workers and left six injured.

In response to the tragedy, Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Ltd (RINL) management has suspended 22 officials from multiple departments. This action follows a preliminary inquiry that identified systemic failures and potential negligence as contributing factors. The suspended officials hold ranks ranging from deputy general manager to senior manager.

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The body of Suribabu has been shifted to King George Hospital for post-mortem examination. Later, the body will be handed over to the family members.

Further investigations have reportedly uncovered the use of substandard ferro-alloys and other materials in the steelmaking process. This discovery casts serious doubt on the plant's quality control mechanisms, as the responsibility for ensuring material quality lies with specific departments. Earlier, seven officials, including general managers, were transferred in connection with the blast.

Trade unions have called for a comprehensive investigation into these systemic failures, urging corrective measures to prevent future occurrences. They argue that suspending a few officials is insufficient and does not address the root causes of the accident. The incident has highlighted significant concerns regarding safety protocols and material quality management at the RINL plant.

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In the SMS units, ferro-alloys and other metallic additives are mixed with hot metal during the steelmaking process. Ensuring the quality of these materials is the responsibility of quality control officials. However, inquiries revealed usage of inferior materials.