A fire at Escientia Advanced Sciences Pvt Ltd, a pharmaceutical company in Andhra Pradesh, has claimed 15 lives. The blaze erupted at approximately 2:15 p.m. on Wednesday in the Atchutapuram Special Economic Zone (SEZ). According to Anakapalli District Collector Vijaya Krishnan, the death toll could rise, with nearly 40 people reported injured.
District Superintendent of Police M. Deepika confirmed to Reuters that rescue operations are ongoing. Although initial reports suggested an explosion might have triggered the fire, Krishnan clarified that it was not caused by a reactor blast. Officials now believe the fire was related to an electrical issue. The injured have been taken to hospitals in Anakapalli and Atchutapuram for treatment.
Blast at Andhra Pradesh Pharma Factory
A major explosion took place at the Escientia pharmaceutical factory in Anakapalli, Andhra Pradesh, on Wednesday. The blast occurred during lunchtime, catching many workers off guard.
The explosion tragically killed 15 people and injured over 40 others. Pictures from the scene show emergency services rushing to the site with an ambulance, and thick grey smoke filling the air.
Deepika Patil, the Superintendent of Police in Anakapalli, explained that the blast happened at the reactor site, but not inside the reactor itself. The exact cause of the explosion is still not known and is under investigation.
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Details on Blast at Andhra Pradesh Pharma Factory
Around 40 people who were injured in an explosion in Anakapalli and Atchutapuram have been taken to different hospitals for medical care. Right now, we don’t know how serious their injuries are.
The local collector has confirmed that 13 people who were stuck in the area have been rescued safely. Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has expressed deep sadness over the deaths of seven people in the explosion. He has promised that the government will support the families of those who have died, as mentioned in an official statement.
Authorities are currently looking into what caused the explosion, and we will have more information as soon as it becomes available.
The explosion happened at Escientia Advanced Sciences, a company that started making chemicals and pharmaceutical ingredients in April 2019. This company, which invested ₹200 crore, operates on a 40-acre site in the Andhra Pradesh Industrial Infrastructure Corporation’s (APIIC) special economic zone (SEZ) at Atchutapuram.
Andhra Pradesh CM Expresses Condolences
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has expressed his condolences for the recent loss of lives.
In response to the tragic incident, Telugu Desam Party MLA Nara Lokesh announced that the Chief Minister has directed the administration to take urgent action to care for those critically injured and currently receiving treatment in hospitals. Nara Lokesh also emphasized that the government is fully supporting the families affected by this tragedy.
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Blast at Andhra Pradesh Pharma Factory FAQs
Q.1. What caused the explosion at Escientia Advanced Sciences Pvt Ltd?
Ans. The exact cause of the explosion is still under investigation. Initial reports suggested a possible reactor blast, but officials now believe it may have been related to an electrical issue.
Q.2. How many people were affected by the explosion?
Ans. The explosion resulted in the deaths of 15 people and injured nearly 40 others. The injured have been transported to hospitals in Anakapalli and Atchutapuram for treatment.
Q.3. What is being done to support the victims and their families?
Ans. Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has expressed condolences and directed the administration to provide urgent care for the critically injured. The government has promised full support to the families of the deceased.
Q.4. Where did the explosion take place?
Ans. The explosion occurred at Escientia Advanced Sciences Pvt Ltd, a pharmaceutical company located in the Atchutapuram Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in Andhra Pradesh.
Q.5. When did the explosion happen?
Ans. The explosion took place at approximately 2:15 p.m. on Wednesday.
