Eight workers were killed and six others injured after molten steel spilled during operations at a major steel plant in India's southern state of Andhra Pradesh.

The accident occurred at the Visakhapatnam Steel Plant when a container carrying molten metal reportedly malfunctioned during a lifting operation inside the facility. The superheated steel, with a temperature reaching around 1,600 degrees Celsius, spilled onto workers in the area, causing severe burn injuries.

Emergency responders were dispatched to the scene, and the injured were transferred to nearby hospitals for treatment. Officials said several of the victims suffered critical injuries.

Authorities suspended activities in the affected section of the plant and launched an investigation into the cause of the accident. The inquiry is expected to examine possible technical failures as well as compliance with workplace safety procedures.

Government officials expressed condolences to the families of those who lost their lives and pledged support for the injured workers and their relatives.

The incident has once again drawn attention to industrial safety challenges in India's heavy manufacturing sector, where workers routinely operate in high-risk environments involving extreme temperatures and heavy equipment.(ILKHA)