Pharmaceutical factory blast in Andhra Pradesh claims 15 lives
8:07 AM EDT, August 22, 2024
At least 15 people died, and 41 were injured in an explosion that occurred on Wednesday, August 21, at a pharmaceutical factory in the state of Andhra Pradesh, within the Achutapuram Special Economic Zone in southeastern India.
The incident took place on Wednesday around 4:45 AM Eastern Time at a factory owned by the private company Escientia Advanced Sciences. The plant was established in 2019.
– The incident happened not because of a reactor blast – said the district fire inspector. Preliminary findings indicate that the fire was related to the electrical installation. Six fire units were working on the scene.
A local police spokesperson stated that at least 17 people lost their lives, and 41 were injured. According to services, this number may still increase.
Explosion at the pharmaceutical factory. All safety measures will be implemented
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu will visit the incident site on Thursday. NDTV reported that he remains in constant contact with officials and police officers.
He has ordered an investigation to determine the tragedy's causes and identify who is responsible for it.
The factory employs 381 workers in shift mode. "The factory operates with 381 employees in two shifts. The blaze occurred during lunchtime, so staff presence was less," the company's management reported.
The factory authorities expressed their condolences and assured that an audit would be conducted and that safety standards and regulations were strictly enforced.
Escientia Advanced Sciences is involved in producing drugs and chemical substances used in pharmaceutical manufacturing.
