Visakhapatnam, June 8 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief over the accident in Visakhapatnam Steel Plant, which claimed eight lives.

The Prime Minister announced an ex gratia of Rs 2 lakh to the next of kin of each deceased. The injured would be given Rs 50,000.

“Saddened by the mishap at the Visakhapatnam Steel Plant. Condolences to those who have lost their loved ones. Praying that the injured recover at the earliest. The local authorities are providing all possible assistance to those affected,” reads a post of the Prime Minister’s Office.

“An ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh from PM National Relief Fund (PMNRF) would be given to the next of kin of each deceased. The injured would be given Rs 50,000,” the PMO wrote.

Eight workers died, and six others were injured after a ladle carrying molten steel exploded at the Visakhapatnam Steel Plant on Monday.

The accident occurred when a large quantity of molten steel leaked following the explosion of the ladle, which was carrying steel at a very high temperature.

The disaster occurred when molten steel was being lifted at the SMS-2 and STC-3 heat facility of the steel plant around 4.15 p.m.

According to officials, molten iron was extremely hot at about 1,500 degrees Celsius.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu reviewed the Visakha Steel Plant accident with Chief Secretary Sai Prasad, state government officials, and the Visakhapatnam District Collector.

District Collector briefed the Chief Minister on the accident, the medical care being provided to the injured, and the current situation.

The Chief Minister was informed that eight people died in the accident and, among the six injured, two are in critical condition.

It was revealed that the deceased included five permanent employees and three contract workers.

CM Chandrababu directed officials to ensure the injured receive advanced medical treatment.

He also spoke over the phone with Union Steel Minister HD Kumaraswamy regarding the incident. The Chief Minister requested the Union Minister to provide support to the affected families.

Meanwhile, Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan expressed deep shock over the accident.

According to a statement from his office, upon learning of the incident, he gathered details from the Visakhapatnam District Collector and the City Police Commissioner. He inquired about the ongoing relief operations at the steel plant and directed officials to coordinate their efforts effectively.

The Deputy CM also instructed that the injured receive the best possible medical care. He conveyed his heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased and assured them that the coalition government would stand by them in every possible way.

Pawan Kalyan will visit Visakhapatnam on Tuesday to console the affected families.

–IANS

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