Srikakulam (Andhra Pradesh), June 9 (IANS) Union Civil Aviation Minister K. Rammohan Naidu said on Tuesday that the Central government has assured permanent jobs for the family members of those who lost their lives in the Visakhapatnam Steel Plant accident and also education for the children of the deceased. He also said that residences will be provided to the bereaved families within the steel plant premises.

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

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

Speaking to reporters, Rammohan Naidu said: “What has happened in Vizag Steel Plant yesterday was very unfortunate. Following the incident, I, along with Union Steel Minister H. D. Kumaraswamy and others, tried to inspect the site.”

However, the Civil Aviation Minister noted that it was very difficult to assess the site because it is the first time that this kind of tragedy has occurred in a steel plant in the country.

Rammohan Naidu said that an investigation committee has been appointed by the Ministry of Steel to assess the situation and reason behind such an incident.

Paying condolence to the victims and expressing his concern for the bereaved families, the Civil Aviation Minister said: “The Union Steel Minister (HD Kumaraswamy) has announced 25 lakh compensation for families of all the deceased. Proper treatment is being ensured for all those injured in the incident.”

“Along with the compensation, the Union government has also proposed permanent employment in the steel plant itself for the family members of those who have lost their lives. Their children’s education will also be taken care of by the steel plant. They will also be provided residence within the premises of the steel plant,” he added.

“It is a very difficult situation but we are trying to do our best to take care of the bereaved families,” Union Minister Rammohan Naidu stressed.

He also said that since the situation comes under the purview of the Centre’s Ministry of Steel, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu has spoken to Union Minister Kumaraswamy.

“He (Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu) has requested for a thorough investigation into the incident and maximum help for the families of the deceased. Support will definitely be provided from the state government also,” the Civil Aviation Minister added.

Rammohan Naidu also said that the Union government has undertaken a commitment to prioritise the safety of workers at the Visakhapatnam steel plant.

–IANS

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