Date: 2026-06-11Category: Press ReleaseState: Union GovernmentCountry: India
NHRC, India takes suo motu cognizance of the reported death of eight workers and injuries to six others in a blast at the Visakhapatnam Steel Plant of the Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Limited in Andhra Pradesh
**Summary of NHRC Cognizance Regarding Visakhapatnam Steel Plant Explosion**
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), India, has taken *suo motu* cognizance of a fatal explosion at the Visakhapatnam Steel Plant of Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Limited (RINL) in Andhra Pradesh. The incident, which occurred on June 8, 2026, resulted in the deaths of eight workers and left at least six others with severe burn injuries.
**Incident Details**
According to reports, the explosion took place in the plant's ‘Steel Melting Shop’ when a ladle carrying approximately 150 tonnes of liquid steel at a temperature of about 1600°C exploded. The resulting spill of molten steel across the shop floor caused the casualties and injuries. The workers' union has alleged that the management ignored established safety protocols, leading to the accident.
**Commission Action**
The NHRC observed that the incident, if the allegations of negligence are true, constitutes a significant violation of human rights. Consequently, the Commission has issued a formal notice to the Chief Secretary of Andhra Pradesh, demanding a detailed report on the matter within two weeks.
**Reporting Requirements**
The requested report from the State Government must include:
* The current health status of the injured workers.
* Documentation regarding the payment of ex-gratia compensation to the injured individuals and the next of kin of the deceased.
**Reference Information**
* **Release ID:** 2271544
* **Date of Notice:** June 11, 2026
* **Jurisdiction:** Andhra Pradesh, India
Key Entities Referenced
National Human Rights Commission (NHRC): The statutory body that took suo motu cognizance of human rights violations following an industrial blast at a steel plant.
Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Limited (RINL): The entity owning the Visakhapatnam Steel Plant where the fatal explosion occurred due to alleged safety protocol violations.
Chief Secretary of Andhra Pradesh: The high-ranking state official issued a notice by the NHRC to submit a detailed report on worker health and ex-gratia payments.
Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh: The specific location of the Visakhapatnam Steel Plant where the industrial accident involving liquid steel occurred.
National Human Rights Commission
NHRC, India takes suo motu cognizance of the
reported death of eight workers and injuries to
six others in a blast at the Visakhapatnam Steel
Plant of the Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Limited in
Andhra Pradesh
Workers' union alleges management ignored safety protocols
The Commission issues notice to the Andhra Pradesh Chief
Secretary, calling for a detailed report on the matter within
two weeks
The report to include the status of injured workers' health and
payment of ex-gratia amount to them and next of kin of the
deceased
प्रव तथ: 11 JUN 2026 12:51PM by PIB Delhi
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), India has taken suo motu cognizance of a media report
that eight workers died and at least six others suffered severe burn injuries after an explosion at the
Visakhapatnam Steel Plant of the Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Limited in Andhra Pradesh on 8th June 2026.
Reportedly, the workers' union has alleged that the management ignored safety protocols.
The Commission has observed that the contents of the news report, if true, raise issues of violation of
human rights. Therefore, it has issued notices to the Andhra Pradesh Chief Secretary, calling for a detailed
report on the matter within two weeks. The report is expected to include the status of the injured workers'
health and payment of ex-gratia amount to them and the next of kin of the deceased.
According to the media report, carried on 9th June 2026, the incident occurred in the ‘Steel Melting Shop’
of the plant when a ladle carrying around 150 tonnes of liquid steel at a temperature of about 1600°C
suddenly exploded and the molten steel poured across the shop floor causing severe burn injuries to the
workers.
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NSK
(रलीज़ आईडी: 2271544) आगंतुक पटल : 735
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