Tragedy at Pharmaceutical Plant: Reactor Blast Kills 10 in Atchutapuram

Anakapalli, AP: A tragic explosion at a pharmaceutical company in Atchutapuram, Rambilli mandal, claimed the lives of at least 10 workers and left 25 others injured, many of them severely, on Wednesday. According to police reports, the explosion of a large reactor occurred while numerous employees were on duty, resulting in the immediate deaths of three workers identified as CH Harika (22), Pudi Mohan (20),  and Y Chinna Rao (32). The remaining seven victims later succumbed to their injuries.

The blast caused significant chaos, with flames and smoke engulfing the area, prompting workers to flee in panic. The injured workers were rushed to Government General Hospital (GGH) in Anakapalli and King George Hospital (KGH) in Visakhapatnam, where many are in critical condition due to severe burns.

Labour Minister Vasamshetti Subash informed the media that the official death toll may rise as some workers remain trapped under the debris. Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu and Home Minister V. Anita have reached out to the Collector and Superintendent of Police in Anakapalli district to assess the condition of those injured. The explosion also led to the collapse of the building’s first floor.

While initial reports indicate that 14 workers may have died, no official confirmation has been provided regarding the total number of fatalities.