13 Killed, Dozens Injured In Explosion Near Reactor At Andhra Pharma Firm

Hyderabad: As many as 13 people lost their lives and more than 30 injured after an explosion at a reactor site at the Escientia pharma firm in Andhra Pradesh’s Atchutapuram Special Economic Zone (SEZ) on Wednesday afternoon.

The explosion in the pharmaceutical company hub, during lunch hour, led to a big fire and so many deaths. Escientia, one of the biggest pharma companies in the SEZ, has nearly 400 employees.

Some of the injured were in critical condition with serious burn injuries.

While some of the wounded have been admitted to NTR District Hospital, Anakapalle, while others were rushed to hospitals in Visakhapatnam, around 35 km away.

It was first said that the blast occurred at a reactor, but Anakapalle Superintendent of Police Deepika Patil clarified that the explosion took place at the reactor site, adding that the exact spot and reason are yet to be ascertained.

“The factory operates with 381 employees in two shifts. The blast occurred during lunch time. Therefore, staff presence was less,” Anakapalle District Collector Vijaya Krishnan was quoted as saying by PTI.

The collector further said 13 people trapped in the unit were rescued.

Dozens of fire engines were deployed to douse the fire.

The entire area was filled with thick smoke, which hampered rescue operations.