Devastating Explosion at Andhra Pradesh Pharma Factory: 17 Dead, 34 Injured

A tragic explosion at the Escientia Advanced Sciences pharmaceutical plant in Anakapalli district, Andhra Pradesh, claimed the lives of 17 workers and left 34 others severely injured

P24 News Media

August 22, 2024

1 minute

Devastating Explosion at Andhra Pradesh Pharma Factory: 17 Dead, 34 Injured

India

A tragic explosion at the Escientia Advanced Sciences pharmaceutical plant in Anakapalli district, Andhra Pradesh, claimed the lives of 17 workers and left 34 others severely injured. The explosion is believed to have been caused by a chemical reactor malfunction. The incident has prompted a high-level inquiry, with officials suspecting a gas leak reaching an electrical panel, resulting in a catastrophic blast. As authorities investigate, concerns have been raised over safety measures at the plant, and families of the victims are demanding more transparency.

The death toll from the explosion at the pharmaceuticals plant in Andhra Pradesh rose to 17 on Thursday, with 34 others injured. The explosion occurred on Wednesday at the 40-acre Escientia Advanced Sciences plant in Anakapalli district and officials suspect that the blast originated from a chemical reactor.

10 Points on the Explosion at Andhra Pradesh Pharma Factory:

The explosion occurred at the Escientia Advanced Sciences plant in Anakapalli district, Andhra Pradesh, believed to have originated from a chemical reactor.
The death toll has risen to 17, with 34 others injured, many of whom suffered severe burns and were rushed to nearby hospitals.
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu has called for a high-level inquiry and promised action if negligence is found.
Investigators suspect the blast was caused by a gas leak that reached an electrical panel, triggering a fire and subsequent explosion.
The company, which manufactures chemicals and active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), began operations in April 2019 with a ₹200 crore investment.
The plant is located in the Andhra Pradesh Industrial Infrastructure Corporation's multi-product SEZ on a 40-acre campus in the Atchutapuram cluster.
The damage was mitigated as the explosion happened during lunchtime, resulting in fewer workers being present in the plant.
Deputy CM Konidala Pawan Kalyan confirmed that a solvent oil leak between floors led to the fire and explosion.
Relatives of the victims expressed frustration, claiming that authorities were not providing timely information about the incident or their affected family members.
Escientia has two R&D centers in Connecticut (US) and Hyderabad, and the Anakapalli plant serves as its commercial manufacturing site.