VSP blast: Families identify all 8 victims, seven autopsies completed

Visakhapatnam: All eight victims of the Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Ltd (RINL) accident at the Visakhapatnam Steel Plant (VSP) were identified by their families on Tuesday. Post‑mortem examinations have been completed for seven of the eight bodies brought to King George Hospital in Vizag.Initially, police, revenue, and medical officials considered DNA testing, citing that the bodies were burnt beyond recognition after exposure to molten steel. However, relatives were able to identify the deceased using jewellery, clothing, and watches. They were then escorted to the mortuary for physical confirmation.Inspector E Kesava Rao of the VSP police station said families confirmed identities and consented to post‑mortems without DNA profiling. Seven bodies were handed over to families on Tuesday, while the post‑mortem of one victim, Gold Kumar, awaits completion as relatives are arriving from Bihar. Most victims were from Vizag and nearby areas, with only one from Bihar.Vizag city police registered a case under Section 194 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), dealing with accidental deaths. A technical team formed by RINL management, including experts in liquid steel operations, has begun examining the circumstances of the mishap. Forensic teams have also joined the investigation.