Twelve workers burned alive after horrific explosion at molten steel mill

Twelve workers burned alive after horrific explosion at molten steel mill At least 12 workers have been killed in an accident inside a steel plant in southern India - this is a breaking story At least 12 workers have been killed in a blast inside a steel plant in southern India. The accident happened at Visakhapatnam Steel Plant in the Visakhapatnam port city, located in the state of Andhra Pradesh, at around 4.30pm IST (12pm) on Monday. A ladle carrying liquid steel exploded, causing a huge fire and spilling hundreds of tonnes of molten steel across the shop floor, according to reports. The steel was heated at around 1,600 degrees celsius when it spilled across the factory floor, killing eight workers on the spot and gravely injuring six others. All victims received burns covering more than 70% of their body, while some were so badly burned that they have not yet been able to be identified. Survivors have been rushed to nearby hospitals for urgent treatment. Around 20 workers were reportedly on site at the time of the accident, according to local news. Managers at the site have not officially confirmed the number of casualties, but union leaders who visited the scene counted the number of bodies on the ground and informed police. Union leaders have demanded an investigation into the explosion, claiming aging equipment, poor maintenance and subpar safety management contributed to the tragedy. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi wrote on X that he was "saddened" by the accident at the Visakhapatnam Steel Plant. "Condolences to those who have lost their loved ones. Praying that the injured recover at the earliest," he said. Modi added that an ex-gratia payment of two lakh (£1,568) from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund would be given to the next of kin of each deceased. The injured would receive ₹50,000 (£392).