Tragic Explosion at Andhra Pradesh Pharma Plant Claims 16 Lives, Injures 30
A tragic explosion at a pharmaceutical manufacturing unit in Andhra Pradesh’s Anakapalli district led to the deaths of at least 16 workers, with 30 others sustaining injuries. The incident occurred on a Wednesday afternoon at Escientia Advanced Sciences Private Limited, located within the Atchutapuram Special Economic Zone (SEZ). The blast, which happened during a lunch break, ignited a fire that quickly engulfed the entire factory, trapping workers inside.
State labor minister Vasamsetty Subhash reported that the explosion took place in a reactor during the lunch break, resulting in a significant fire that made rescue operations difficult due to the heavy smoke. The identities of 10 out of the 16 deceased have been confirmed, including key personnel such as the assistant general manager, laboratory in-charge, and several plant operators. Rescue efforts are ongoing, but the process has been hindered by the thick smoke and debris from the collapsed first-floor slab of the factory.
Inspector of Police M Buchaiah mentioned that a First Information Report (FIR) would be registered soon, while Superintendent of Police M Deepika stated that the exact cause of the explosion remains unknown. The blast caused widespread panic among local villagers, and the surrounding area was shrouded in thick smoke. Emergency services responded quickly, with eight large fire brigades initially dispatched to the scene, later joined by three more, to control the fire.
The factory, which employed around 300 workers at the time of the explosion, saw fewer casualties due to the lunch break, which had reduced the number of employees inside the facility. However, it is feared that some workers may still be trapped under the debris. Anakapalli District Collector Vijaya Krishnan provided further details, noting that the fire broke out around 2:15 PM, and the factory usually operates with 381 employees in two shifts.
Those injured in the explosion were immediately transported to nearby hospitals, with the most severe cases being sent to the NTR District Hospital in Anakapalli and others to hospitals in Visakhapatnam, about 20 kilometers away. The Escientia Advanced Sciences facility, which occupies a 40-acre site in the SEZ, commenced production in April 2019 after a ₹200 crore investment. The company, headquartered in South Windsor, Connecticut, USA, specializes in contract research, development, and manufacturing for pharmaceutical and biotech companies, particularly in the development of small-molecule drugs. It also operates R&D centers in Connecticut and Hyderabad.
The explosion has brought renewed attention to safety concerns within the SEZ, as this incident follows a series of similar accidents in the area. Just a month prior, another explosion at a chemical factory in the same SEZ claimed a worker’s life and injured two others. In June 2023, six workers were killed in a reactor blast at Sahiti Pharma, another company within the SEZ.
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu expressed deep concern over the loss of lives and emphasized the importance of ensuring no further casualties. He urged district authorities to prioritize the safety and well-being of the workers, assuring the families of the deceased that the government would provide support and assistance. Naidu also directed higher authorities and officials from the industry department to remain at the incident site until all rescue operations were completed.
The Atchutapuram SEZ, notified by the Central Government in 2007, spans over 5595.47 acres and hosts several multinational companies. The recent string of accidents has raised questions about the safety protocols in place at these facilities, prompting calls for stricter enforcement of regulations to prevent such tragedies in the future.
As the investigation into the cause of the explosion continues, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers faced by workers in industrial settings and the need for rigorous safety measures to protect lives.