India's RINL halts steel melt shop operations after fatal explosion
2026-06-12 11:15:21 [Print]
Indian state-owned steel producer Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Limited (RINL) has suspended operations at its steel melt shop 1 (SMS-1) following a deadly accident that killed nine workers and critically injured several others, company sources confirmed on Thursday, June 11.
The SMS-1 facility houses six casting machines, five of which typically run continuously. On the day of the accident, casting machines 1, 2, 3, and 4 were operational. An initial explosion of molten steel at SMS-1 was followed by a second blast at casting machine 2 just 20 minutes later. The explosions rendered a crane inoperable and damaged cables and machinery throughout the section.
A preliminary investigation by the Department of Factories suggested that the explosion may have been caused by the sudden release of trapped gases within the molten steel, triggering a powerful blast.
According to the investigative report, a full ladle carrying molten steel had been rotated and positioned for casting. However, before the slide gate could be opened to transfer the molten metal, a sudden and severe explosion occurred.
The force of the blast was so intense that investigators were initially unable to determine whether it originated from the ladle or the tundish. The report noted that a large fireball shot up to the roof of the shop floor, and an overhead crane operating in the area also caught fire.
The SMS-1 facility houses six casting machines, five of which typically run continuously. On the day of the accident, casting machines 1, 2, 3, and 4 were operational. An initial explosion of molten steel at SMS-1 was followed by a second blast at casting machine 2 just 20 minutes later. The explosions rendered a crane inoperable and damaged cables and machinery throughout the section.
A preliminary investigation by the Department of Factories suggested that the explosion may have been caused by the sudden release of trapped gases within the molten steel, triggering a powerful blast.
According to the investigative report, a full ladle carrying molten steel had been rotated and positioned for casting. However, before the slide gate could be opened to transfer the molten metal, a sudden and severe explosion occurred.
The force of the blast was so intense that investigators were initially unable to determine whether it originated from the ladle or the tundish. The report noted that a large fireball shot up to the roof of the shop floor, and an overhead crane operating in the area also caught fire.
