At least 17 people died and over 40 were injured after an explosion in Andhra Pradesh's Anakapalle. The explosion took place at the Achutapuram Special Economic Zone.
The tragic incident unfolded on Wednesday at Escientia Advanced Science Private Limited, located in the Special Economic Zone (SEZ) area of Anakapalle district, Andhra Pradesh. A part of the building collapsed following an explosion, which reportedly occurred in a reactor within the facility.
The aftermath of the blast has been devastating, with the death toll now rising to 17, according to Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan, who expressed his condolences in a public statement. A large number of people were injured, and authorities fear the death toll could increase further as rescue operations continue.
Many workers feared trapped under the debris
The explosion took place in the afternoon, during lunch hours, causing thick smoke to envelop the area. The SEZ, known as the Achyutapuram Pharma SEZ, is home to several pharmaceutical companies, with over 300 employees present at the factory at the time of the incident. Many workers are feared trapped under the debris as a result of the building's collapse.
The injured were swiftly transported to nearby private hospitals for treatment. Initial reports suggested that the explosion occurred in a reactor, leading to the collapse of one floor of the building. However, District Collector and officials later clarified that the incident was not caused by a reactor blast, but possibly by an electricity-related fire. The plant employs around 380 workers across two shifts.
Air ambulances could be deployed
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu has been actively monitoring the situation. He spoke with the Anakapalli district collector and has instructed authorities to ensure the best possible medical care for the injured. He also indicated that air ambulances could be deployed if necessary for the evacuation of the severely injured. Additionally, the Chief Minister has directed the state health secretary to visit Achyutapuram, and he plans to personally visit the accident site on Thursday.
Area has a history of fire-related accidents
The Achyutapuram Pharma SEZ spans approximately 10,000 acres in Anakapalli district, with 3,000 acres dedicated to pharmaceutical factories. The area has a history of fire-related accidents due to the manufacturing and storage of chemicals. Despite housing 208 companies within the SEZ, there is only one fire engine available on-site, necessitating the deployment of additional fire engines from nearby stations to combat the blaze.
NDRF teams to assist in rescue operations
The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams were also dispatched to the accident site to assist in rescue operations. Last year, a similar incident occurred in the area when four people lost their lives at Sahitya Solvents, another pharmaceutical company in the SEZ.
This tragic event has once again highlighted the safety concerns within the SEZ, raising questions about the adequacy of emergency response infrastructure in an area with such a high concentration of pharmaceutical companies.
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