Visakhapatnam steel blast claims a ninth life: a father’s last video tells his sons how to live without him

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Paidiraju, the Visakhapatnam Steel Plant contract worker who died of the burns he suffered in the June 8 blast. File | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

The death toll in the explosion at the Visakhapatnam Steel Plant (VSP) rose to nine on Wednesday (June 10, 2026), after a critically injured contract worker died of burns while undergoing treatment at MGM Seven Hills Hospital.

The dead worker, Paidiraju, 50, was a resident of Gangavaram in Gajuwaka. He is survived by his wife and two sons. Paidiraju was among the six workers seriously injured in the blast at SMS-1 of the VSP on Monday (June 8, 2026).

విశాఖ స్టీల్ ప్లాంట్ ప్రమాదంలో తీవ్రంగా గాయపడి.. చికిత్స పొందుతున్న కార్మికుడు పైడిరాజు గారు కూడా ఈరోజు మృతివర్మా.. తమ్ముడు జాగ్రత్త.. అమ్మను బాగా చూసుకో అంటూ మొన్న ఆఖరిగా తన కుటుంబ సభ్యులతో మాట్లాడి అందర్నీ కంటతడి పెట్టించిన పైడిరాజు సెవెన్ హిల్స్ ఆసుపత్రిలో చికిత్స పొందుతూ… pic.twitter.com/WADIMFUsNx

According to hospital sources, Paidiraju had suffered more than 90% burns in the accident. He was first admitted to Visakha Steel General Hospital and later shifted to MGM Seven Hills Hospital for advanced treatment.

Despite intensive care in the burns ward, he died on Wednesday. His body was later shifted to King George Hospital (KGH) for a post-mortem.

Five injured workers from the Visakhapatnam Steel Plant accident have been taken to private hospitals, the 108 service's district manager M. Suresh said.One has 90% burns, two have 40% and one 10%. Five ambulances are on standby and rescue work continues.Video: @Harish_Gilaipic.twitter.com/uLpFaJ4HhA

His death left the family grief-stricken. Visakhapatnam South MLA P. Vamsi Krishna Srinivas visited Paidiraju’s house and consoled the family, particularly his two sons. The MLA assured them that the State government would extend all possible help during this difficult time.

Paidiraju’s death drew wide attention after a video he recorded in an ambulance, while being moved from Visakha Steel General Hospital to MGM Seven Hills Hospi