17 Dead, 20 Injured in Devastating Pharma Plant Explosion in Andhra Pradesh's Anakapalli

17 Dead, 20 Injured in Devastating Pharma Plant Explosion in Andhra Pradesh's Anakapalli

A devastating fire at Escientia Advanced Sciences Private Ltd. in the Special Economic Zone (SEZ) at Atchutapuram has claimed the lives of at least 17 workers and left 20 others with severe burns. The incident, which occurred on Wednesday afternoon, is believed to have been triggered by a reactor explosion in the company's facility, which manufactures intermediate chemicals and pharmaceutical ingredients.

The explosion, which took place around 2:15 p.m. during a shift change, was so powerful that it caused significant structural damage to the four-storey building, trapping several workers under the rubble. The blast also scattered severed body parts across the company's premises, with thick flames and smoke quickly engulfing the area.

Rescue operations were launched immediately, with ten fire tenders from Anakapalli and Visakhapatnam, along with additional units from nearby pharmaceutical companies, responding to the scene. Two teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) were also deployed to assist in the rescue efforts. A number of workers trapped on the third floor were safely evacuated, but the death toll is feared to rise as search and rescue operations continue.

Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has ordered a high-level inquiry into the incident, as criticism mounts over alleged safety violations by the company. Workers from neighboring factories, along with local residents and union leaders, have gathered at the site, expressing their anger and grief. Many have accused the management of neglecting safety protocols, with some noting that similar accidents have occurred in the past without significant action being taken.

The factory, established in 2019 with an investment of approximately ₹200 crore, is spread across 40 acres within the Atchutapuram SEZ. As investigations continue, police teams and forensic experts are on-site, working to determine the exact cause of the explosion.