Deadly Blaze at Andhra Pharma Unit Kills 17, Injures Dozens

A devastating fire and explosion at a pharmaceutical unit in Andhra Pradesh on Wednesday resulted in 17 fatalities and 33 injuries. The incident occurred at 2:15 pm at Escientia Advanced Science Pvt Ltd, during lunchtime, which fortunately meant fewer workers were present. Injured workers, many with severe burns and bleeding, were rushed to hospitals.

Immediate Response and Investigation

Anakapalli district collector Vijaya Krishnan indicated that the fire might have been caused by an electrical issue. Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu has ordered a high-level enquiry into the incident. He promised strict action against the management if negligence is found to be the cause. Naidu will visit the site on Thursday to meet with the families of the victims and those injured.

The company, which started production in April 2019 with an investment of Rs 200 crore, manufactures intermediate chemicals and active pharmaceutical ingredients (API). It operates on a 40-acre campus within the Andhra Pradesh Industrial Infrastructure Corporation's (APIIC) multi-product SEZ at the Atchutapuram cluster.

Rescue Operations and Medical Aid

Collector Krishnan mentioned that the factory employs 381 workers in two shifts. Due to lunchtime, fewer staff were present when the fire broke out. She confirmed that 33 injured individuals were taken to hospitals in Anakapalli and Atchutapuram. Additionally, 13 people trapped inside were rescued using ladder vehicles.

Chief Minister Naidu instructed officials to use air ambulance services if necessary to transfer the injured to Visakhapatnam or Hyderabad for better medical care. He also directed the health secretary to visit the accident site immediately.

Official Statements and Safety Measures

Expressing his sorrow over the loss of lives, Naidu assured that the government would support the families of those who died. He communicated multiple times with the Anakapalli district collector to ensure better services for those affected. "Though it is being reported that the accident occurred due to a reactor blast, officials said that when solvent oil was being pumped from one floor to another, it led to leakage and resulted in a blaze followed by a large explosion," said a post on X by the Office of the Deputy Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, Konidala Pawan Kalyan.

Kalyan expressed condolences for the loss of lives and instructed authorities to conduct a safety audit. He emphasized that safety standards and regulations must be strictly implemented.

Community Reactions

Relatives of the victims expressed their anguish, complaining that authorities were not providing updates about their loved ones' conditions or whereabouts. The tragic event has left many families grieving and seeking answers about how such an incident could occur.

The factory's location within APIIC's multi-product SEZ at Atchutapuram cluster underscores its significance in the region's industrial landscape. The incident has raised concerns about safety practices within such facilities.

The Chief Minister's visit on Thursday aims to provide solace to grieving families and ensure that all necessary measures are taken for those injured. The high-level enquiry will seek to uncover any lapses in safety protocols and hold responsible parties accountable.

The tragic incident highlights the need for stringent safety measures in industrial units to prevent such disasters in the future. The government’s response will be closely watched as it addresses both immediate relief efforts and long-term safety improvements.