An explosion occurred at the Vizag (Visakhapatnam) Steel Plant on June 8, 2026, according to Times of India. The blast triggered a large fire after a hot metal ladle fell, spilling molten metal onto workers in Steel Melting Shop One, also reported by Times of India.

Reports of the death toll differ. One outlet reported eight workers were killed, another outlet reported nine persons were killed, while article.wn.com reported the death toll reached ten.

Emergency response teams were deployed to the site, according to Bluesky. Times of India described the incident as the plant's worst since a 2012 explosion. The newspaper also noted that bodies were difficult to identify due to severe burns and that injured workers are receiving treatment for extensive burns.

The explosion sparked a nationwide debate on industrial safety, management accountability and privatisation, as reported by The Hindu. The Union Government announced a proposal for 100 % disinvestment of the plant, also reported by The Hindu.