Visakhapatnam: In a major relief measure for families affected by the tragic blast at the Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Limited, the Centre has announced an ex-gratia of ₹25 lakh for the family of each worker who lost their life in the accident. The explosion at the Visakhapatnam Steel Plant on Monday claimed the lives of eight workers and left six others injured.
Announcing the compensation package, Union Steel Minister H. D. Kumaraswamy said that one member from each bereaved family will be provided permanent employment, while children of the deceased workers will receive free education.
Blast Occurred During Steel Transfer Process
According to officials, the accident occurred while hot crude steel was being transferred from a ladle to a tundish before being sent to the caster unit.
“Before slide gate opening to pour hot crude steel from Ladle to Tundish, a sudden severe explosion took place. Eight persons succumbed to injuries, while six others sustained injuries and are undergoing treatment,” officials said.
The explosion triggered a massive fireball that shot up to the ceiling, causing an overhead crane to catch fire and creating panic inside the plant.
Comprehensive Relief Package Announced
Kumaraswamy, who visited the accident site along with Union Civil Aviation Minister K. Ram Mohan Naidu, Visakhapatnam MP M. Sribharat and Andhra Pradesh Home Minister Vangalapudi Anitha, assured all possible support to the affected families.
The relief package includes:
- ₹25 lakh ex-gratia for each deceased worker’s family
- Permanent job for one family member
- Free education for children of the deceased
- Continuation of housing facilities in steel plant quarters until the notional retirement age of the deceased employee
- Quarters for eligible families residing outside the township
- All medical expenses for injured workers to be borne by RINL
- ₹10 lakh compensation for severely injured workers
- Additional statutory benefits including insurance, provident fund, gratuity and other entitlements
PM Announces Additional Assistance
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also expressed grief over the incident and announced financial assistance from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF).
Under the PMNRF package:
- ₹2 lakh will be provided to the next of kin of each deceased worker
- ₹50,000 will be given to each injured person
Expert Committee to Probe Cause
The Union Steel Minister announced the formation of a special inquiry committee comprising experts from various steel plants across the country to investigate the cause of the explosion.
The committee is scheduled to arrive in Visakhapatnam and conduct a detailed inspection of the accident site before submitting a comprehensive report. The panel will identify the reasons behind the mishap and recommend measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Reiterating the Centre’s commitment to worker welfare and industrial safety, Kumaraswamy assured employees that the government remains dedicated to the revival, development and safe operation of the Visakhapatnam Steel Plant while standing firmly with the affected families during this difficult time.
