Expert Committee Launched to Investigate Visakhapatnam Steel Plant Tragedy

Andhra Pradesh Minister Nara Lokesh has confirmed that an expert committee, formed by Union Minister HD Kumaraswamy, will investigate the recent explosion at Visakhapatnam Steel Plant. The blast resulted in eight fatalities and six critical injuries. Efforts to support affected families are underway, alongside a special bailout package for the plant.

Andhra Pradesh Minister Nara Lokesh announced on Tuesday that Union Minister of Heavy Industries and Public Enterprises, HD Kumaraswamy, has established an expert committee to investigate the tragic incident at Visakhapatnam Steel Plant. The catastrophe, resulting from a massive explosion at the Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Limited (RINL) facility, claimed the lives of eight workers and left six others critically injured.

Lokesh, addressing journalists, mentioned that a bailout package worth Rs 15,000 crore has been arranged to rejuvenate the Visakhapatnam Steel Plant. He noted that the accident occurred during these revival efforts. Emphasizing the historical significance of the steel plant, Lokesh highlighted the leadership of PM Modi and Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu in facilitating the special package. Key personnel, including the collector, police commissioner, and various political leaders, have been on-site assessing the situation, with Kumaraswamy arriving swiftly to address the crisis.

Earlier, Lokesh visited the families of the deceased workers at King George Hospital in Visakhapatnam, offering condolences and promising government support. Accompanied by Union Minister of State for Steel Bhupathiraju Srinivasa Varma and other officials, Lokesh listened to the bereaved families’ concerns and expressed solidarity. He reaffirmed the government's commitment to aid the victims and urged families to stay strong during these challenging times.