The Visakhapatnam Steel Plant (VSP) has witnessed a series of molten metal-related accidents over the past few years. While the exact cause of the latest accident on Monday, in which at least eight people were killed, is yet to be determined, past incidents indicate that molten metal handling remains one of the most hazardous operations at the plant.
Previous Incidents at VSP
One of the major accidents occurred in December 2020, when molten steel spilled at steel melting shop-2 (SMS-2), leaving four workers with severe burn injuries. A ladle carrying molten steel reportedly failed during transfer operations, leading to the mishap.
Another significant incident took place in February 2023 at SMS-2, where nine workers and officials suffered burn injuries. The accident occurred while workers were clearing a stuck slag pot, resulting in hot slag splashing onto personnel nearby.
Recent Molten Steel Spill
More recently, in May 2025, a large quantity of molten steel spilled during transit within the plant, triggering a fire. However, no casualties were reported in that incident.
Expert Insights on Molten Metal Accidents
Steel plants transport molten iron and steel at temperatures exceeding 1,500 degrees Celsius using specialised ladles and carriers. Industry experts say accidents involving "ladle explosions" do not necessarily mean the vessel itself explodes.
"Such incidents are often caused by ladle failures, refractory lining damage, crane malfunctions, molten metal spillages, or steam explosions that occur when molten metal comes into contact with water or moisture. Slag eruptions and mechanical failures in lifting systems can also lead to serious accidents, resulting in fires and fatalities," said industrial safety expert Kolli Ramesh Naidu.
Union and Political Reactions
However, CITU district secretary RKSV Kumar alleged that the use of outdated machinery, poor-quality raw materials and lack of regular maintenance are key reasons behind recurring accidents at the plant.
"As a result, such incidents have been occurring frequently. This time, the accident has come at a heavy cost. We demand an immediate and comprehensive inquiry and strict action against those responsible," he said.
CPM leader M Jaggu Naidu said failure to install effective hazard-detection sensors was a serious lapse. "Instead of assigning multiple workers, only one person was deployed for the task, increasing workload and risk. We demand action against the management for lapses in operations and maintenance," he said.
You Can Also Check: Gold Rate in Visakhapatnam | Silver Rate in Visakhapatnam | Bank Holidays in Visakhapatnam | Public Holidays in Visakhapatnam | Petrol Price in Visakhapatnam | Diesel Price in Visakhapatnam | CNG Price in Visakhapatnam | LPG Price in Visakhapatnam
About the Author
Jinnala Umamaheswara Rao is an Assistant Editor at the Times of India-Visakhapatnam. He reports on urban development affairs, civic infrastructure, planning policies, education, health, science, emerging technologies, startups, research, and data-driven stories. He holds postgraduate degrees in journalism and mass communication, business administration, and English, plus several fellowships and short-term courses.
