Six workers died in a poisonous gas leak at a private steel mill rolling unit in Anantapuramu district on Thursday, police said.
District Superintendent of Police G Ashok Kumar said the mishap occurred while testing was being done after maintenance work in the unit.
“Two workers died on the spot and four others in hospital. Carbon monoxide is the main gas used for reheating process and its leak caused the mishap,” the SP said.
There was no clear information about injuries to other workers, he said, adding rescue operation was being carried out. The steel mill, located at Tadipatri, belongs to Brazilian firm Gerdau.