Andhra Pradesh Pharma Company Explosion: At least two workers were killed and several others injured after a fire broke out following an explosion in a reactor at a pharmaceutical unit in Andhra Pradesh’s Anakapalle district on Wednesday afternoon.
According to The Indian Express report, the explosion and subsequent fire took place during the lunch break at the Escientia pharmaceutical plant in the Atchutapuram Special Economic Zone, a major pharmaceutical hub.
An official from the Atchutapuram Police Station said that two workers from the nearby Rambilli mandal died from burn injuries, while several others sustained serious burns. Some of the injured were taken to NTR District Hospital in Anakapalli, while others were rushed to hospitals in Visakhapatnam.
Dozens of fire engines from Anakapalle and surrounding areas were dispatched to extinguish the flames. Officials said thick smoke blanketed the area, hindering rescue efforts. Escientia employs more than 1,000 workers and is one of the largest pharmaceutical companies in the SEZ.
This marks the third reactor explosion in the Atchutapuram SEZ. On July 17, a blast at Vasantha Chemicals killed a 44-year-old migrant worker from Odisha.