At least eleven people have been killed after a massive explosion ripped through a state-owned steel plant in India's southern state of Andhra Pradesh, media reports citing local officials said early Thursday.
The explosion reportedly occurred at the oxygen tank in the plant, located in the coastal city of Visakhapatnam, as workers were installing new equipment on Wednesday night. Most of those killed are said to be contract workers.
At least 16 workers suffered serious burn injuries in the fire triggered by the explosion. Officials fear that the death toll may rise as several of the injured are in critical condition.
It was reportedly the second such accident at the plant in just over a month. Two people died following a blast in the newly-commissioned blast furnace on May 1.
For comments and feedback: editorial@rttnews.com