Another Worker Dies in Visakhapatnam Steel Plant Accident, Toll Rises to Nine

The death toll in the Visakhapatnam Steel Plant accident has risen to nine after another critically injured worker succumbed to his injuries while undergoing treatment. The tragic incident, which occurred on June 8 , has emerged as one of the worst industrial accidents at the plant in recent years.

Officials said Paidiraju , one of the workers who suffered severe burn injuries in the accident, died at around 8:17 a.m. on Wednesday. According to Visakhapatnam Joint Collector G. Vidyadhari , he was among the two workers who sustained nearly 90 percent burns and had been in an extremely critical condition since the mishap.

The accident initially claimed the lives of eight workers and left six others seriously injured. Following Paidiraju's death, the number of fatalities has increased to nine. His body was shifted to King George Hospital (KGH) for post-mortem examination before being handed over to his family members.

Authorities said all legal formalities, including post-mortem examinations of the workers who died in the accident, have been completed. The bodies have been released to their families. Hospital officials also confirmed that the body of a worker from Bihar was handed over after his relatives arrived in Visakhapatnam and completed the required documentation.

To assist the bereaved family, the steel plant management arranged a dedicated ambulance to transport the Bihar worker's body to his native village. Nearly 20 members of the deceased worker's family reportedly travelled from Bihar to Visakhapatnam after learning about the tragedy. Despite the extensive damage caused by exposure to molten steel , relatives were able to identify the victims, officials said.

The accident has sparked fresh concerns over industrial safety practices in heavy manufacturing facilities. A detailed inquiry into the circumstances that led to the mishap is underway, with authorities examining operational and safety aspects at the plant.

In the aftermath of the tragedy, Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan announced an ex gratia payment of ₹25 lakh for the family of each deceased worker and assured employment to one eligible member from every affected family. He also announced ₹10 lakh financial assistance for each worker who sustained serious injuries.

Additionally, the families of deceased regular employees will receive compensation and benefits amounting to approximately ₹1.72 crore , while the families of contract workers will receive around ₹45.75 lakh . The state government has assured full support to the affected families as investigations into the incident continue.