Worker with 80% burns dies; toll rises to nine in Vizag Steel Plant blast

Visakhapatnam: The death toll in the Vizag Steel Plant’s (VSP) accident rose to nine as another worker, Pydiraju, succumbed to burns. He is survived by his wife and two sons.

A video of him lying on the stretcher, asking his elder son Varma to look after his mother and take care of the younger son’s education, has gone viral on social media. The video of Pydiraju handing over the family’s responsibility to Varma was reportedly shot when he was on his way to hospital.

Pydiraju, fondly known as ‘Cable Raju’, was from Gangavaram village. He handled the cable network at the plant. Another worker, Suribabu’s, condition is said to be critical.

Meanwhile, the three-member expert committee from SAIL will submit its report on the accident to the govt this week.