At least eight workers were killed and six others injured after molten iron spilled on them at the Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Ltd (Vizag Steel Plant) in Visakhapatnam on Monday, officials said.
Some of the injured are reported to be in critical condition, while rescue operations were launched immediately after the incident.
According to police, the accident occurred when molten iron, being transported in a crane-mounted bucket, spilled on workers. The metal was estimated to be at a temperature of around 1,600 degrees Celsius.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also conveyed condolences, announced an ex-gratia of ₹2 lakh for the families of each deceased worker and ₹50,000 for those injured, and said authorities were providing all possible assistance to the affected families.
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu expressed grief over the tragedy and directed all departments to coordinate relief efforts.