Tirupati: A boiler blast at a private pharmaceutical factory in Andhra Pradesh’s Tirupati district claimed five lives and left 10 workers critically injured early on Saturday, triggering a massive rescue operation at the Sri City industrial hub.
The explosion ripped through the TIL Healthcare manufacturing unit in Satyavedu mandal, sending shockwaves that damaged nearby buildings and left a huge crater at the blast site. Panic spread across the special economic zone as emergency teams, police, and workers from adjacent units rushed to assist with relief efforts, though strict security curbed entry of outsiders.
Shift Change, Holiday Cut Casualties
The mishap occurred during a shift change in the early morning hours. Since Friday was Gandhi Jayanti and a holiday, fewer workers were present at the plant than usual, according to South First. Even so, the force of the blast was powerful enough to collapse portions of the building, trapping some workers under debris.
Rescuers evacuated the injured to nearby medical facilities, with some shifted to Satyavedu Hospital and the most critically wounded transferred to Chennai. Two of those killed are believed to be from Tamil Nadu, and locals said most of the plant’s workforce comprises Tamil labourers.
Leaders Visit, Probe Ordered
The District Collector and senior officials visited the site to assess the damage. State Home Minister Vangalapudi Anitha is expected to tour the location, NDTV reported.
Tirupati MP Maddila Gurumoorthi expressed shock and grief over the explosion. He conveyed condolences to the families of the workers who died and urged authorities to speed up rescue and relief operations.
Gurumoorthi also called for a thorough investigation into the cause of the accident.
Andhra Pradesh Education and IT Minister Nara Lokesh also expressed deep shock and grief over the incident.
Lokesh conveyed his condolences to the families of those who lost their loved ones and prayed for the peace of the departed souls. He also directed officials to ensure the best possible medical treatment for those seriously injured in the accident.
The minister assured that the government would stand by the bereaved families and provide all necessary support.
Further details on what triggered the boiler explosion and the current condition of the injured are awaited.