The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has taken suo motu cognizance of a media report regarding a fatal industrial accident at the Visakhapatnam Steel Plant, operated by Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Limited (RINL). The incident occurred on June 8, 2026, in the plant's 'Steel Melting Shop' when a ladle carrying approximately 150 tonnes of liquid steel at about 1600°C suddenly exploded. The explosion resulted in molten steel pouring across the shop floor, causing the death of eight workers and severe burn injuries to at least six others.
The Commission observed that the reported allegations by the workers' union—that plant management ignored safety protocols—if true, raise serious issues of human rights violations. In response, the NHRC has issued a formal notice to the Chief Secretary of Andhra Pradesh, demanding a detailed report on the matter within two weeks. This report must specifically include the current health status of the injured workers and confirmation of ex-gratia payments made to them and to the next of kin of the deceased workers.