Pawan Kalyan questions VSP safety after blast, flags similar incident the night before

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Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan on Tuesday (June 9, 2026) questioned how strictly safety protocols were being followed at the Visakhapatnam Steel Plant (VSP), after the blast on Monday (June 8, 2026) that killed eight workers and injured several others. He said the workers had told him that a similar minor incident had occurred nearby the previous night, but went unnoticed as no one was present at the time.

Mr. Pawan Kalyan visited the injured workers undergoing treatment at KIMS and enquired about their health condition. He also interacted with doctors and officials overseeing their treatment.

Later, addressing the media, the Deputy Chief Minister questioned whether adequate safety measures were being followed at the plant, and called for a full upgrade of the VSP.

He said that, though it was a government-run enterprise, questions needed to be answered about the management’s functioning, the adequacy of safety systems, staff workload and working conditions at the plant. He also raised the long-pending issue of captive mines, and expressed displeasure over the delay in allocating them.

Mr. Pawan Kalyan said that once the injured workers recovered, he would hold a detailed meeting with workers, trade unions and other stakeholders to understand their concerns and find areas needing attention.

The Deputy CM also said one or two industrial accidents were reported every year in Visakhapatnam and Anakapalli districts, which he described as “alarming”. He questioned whether industrial managements were conducting safety audits properly and taking all necessary precautions to prevent accidents.

Calling for a long-term solution, he said industry experts should examine the recurring safety lapses and recommend steps to ensure workers’ safety.

The Deputy Chief Minister also announced that a three-member committee from the Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL) would visit Visakhapatnam to conduct a preliminary inquiry into the blast. The committee will examine the circumstances of the accident, assess how safety protocols were implemented, and review the rescue and emergency response after it.

“This is not merely an emotional issue. It is a serious matter involving accountability and responsibility at multiple levels,” he said.

Civil Supplies Minister Nadendla Manohar, Social Welfare Minister Dola Bala Veeranjaneya Swamy, MLA Vamsi Krishna Srinivas and District Collector Abhishikt Kishore were present.