Deadly Blast at Escientia Pharma Plant in Anakapalle Kills 17, Injures 41
Anakapalle: At least 17 people lost their lives, and 41 others were injured following a devastating explosion in Andhra Pradesh’s Anakapalle district. The incident occurred at the Achutapuram Special Economic Zone, specifically at the plant of Escientia, a pharmaceutical company.
The explosion, which took place around 2:15 pm during lunchtime, is suspected to have been caused by an electrical fire rather than a reactor blast, according to the District Collector. The injured individuals were quickly transported to NTR Hospital for medical care.
The plant, located within the Andhra Pradesh Industrial Infrastructure Corporation’s 40-acre campus, employs around 380 workers across two shifts. The timely occurrence of the explosion during lunch hours potentially averted an even larger catastrophe.
Visuals from the scene depict thick smoke engulfing nearby villages as emergency services responded. Six fire engines were deployed to extinguish the flames, and the National Disaster Response Force was called in for rescue operations. So far, 13 people who were trapped inside the facility have been rescued.
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, who has been in constant communication with the District Collector and police officials, is set to visit the site tomorrow. He has ordered an inquiry into the incident, emphasizing that accountability must be established.
Escientia, which produces intermediate chemicals and active pharmaceutical ingredients, began operations at the unit in April 2019, following an investment of ₹200 crore.
