17 killed, 20 injured in reactor blast at pharma company in Andhra Pradesh’s Anakapalli

Tragic fire accident at Escientia Advanced Sciences Private Limited leaves four dead, 33 injured, sparking outrage and investigation.

At least 17 workers were killed and 20 others sustained burns in a major fire that broke out reportedly after a reactor blast in Escientia Advanced Sciences Private Ltd. in the Special Economic Zone at Atchutapuram, in Anakapalli of Andhra Pradesh on Wednesday (August 21, 2024). The company manufactures intermediate chemicals and pharmaceutical ingredients.

The death toll is likely to go up, as bodies of several workers were feared trapped under the rubble of the slab of the first floor of the four-storey building. The impact of the blast was so strong that the severed body parts of some workers were thrown to some distance on the company premises.

Thick flames and smoke engulfed the area.

Ten fire tenders from Anakapalli and Visakhapatnam, apart from a few from the pharma units rushed to the spot. Two teams of the NDRF were also pressed into action. The personnel safely shifted a number of workers who were stuck on the third floor.

As many as 381 workers have been working in two shifts in the company. The accident occurred at around 2.15 p.m., during shift change.

Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has ordered a high-level inquiry.

A large number of workers from surrounding pharma companies, residents from Lalam Koduru, Maturu, SEZ Colony, members from various workers unions, leaders from from CITU, CPI(M) and other parties reached the entrance of the factory and expressed anger at the management for its alleged violation of safety norms. Family members of the workers, who also reached the company, were seen weeping inconsolably.