Explosion and Fire at Indian Pharmaceutical Plant Claims Lives of At Least 18 Workers

A powerful explosion at a pharmaceutical plant in southern India triggered a massive fire, resulting in the deaths of at least 18 workers. The tragic incident occurred on Wednesday at the Escientia Company’s facility in Anakapalle, Andhra Pradesh.
The death toll increased from an initial count of 15 as three of the 40 individuals injured in the fire succumbed to their injuries in hospital on Thursday. Some of the injured are reported to be in critical condition, with distressing accounts of severe burns and skin damage emerging. Ambulances were deployed to transport the injured to medical facilities.
Initial investigations suggest that the fire may have been caused by an electrical fault at the plant. State authorities have launched a probe into the incident to determine the exact cause and to assess compliance with safety regulations.
The Escientia plant, which has been operational for five years, manufactures intermediate chemicals and active pharmaceutical ingredients. It is located approximately 350 kilometers (220 miles) northeast of Amaravati, the capital of Andhra Pradesh, in the state’s special economic zone at Atchutapuram village.
The explosion and subsequent fire occurred in the chemical reactor area of the plant, which employs around 380 people working in two shifts. Many workers were reportedly on their lunch break when the explosion occurred, which may have contributed to the fact that some escaped unharmed.
As news of the disaster spread, hundreds of family members rushed to the plant to find their loved ones. The area around the plant, adjacent to the industrial port city of Vishakhapatnam, is known for its high level of industrial activity and has experienced previous accidents, including a significant blast at a Hindustan Petroleum Corporation refinery in 1997 that killed 22 people.
Fires in India are unfortunately common, with incidents often linked to violations of building codes and safety regulations. In 2019, a fire caused by an electrical short circuit in a New Delhi factory resulted in 43 fatalities. The latest tragedy underscores the urgent need for stringent adherence to safety protocols and preventive measures in industrial facilities.