Andhra Pradesh: 13 Dead, Several Injured After Explosion Inside Pharma Company Reactor

At least 13 people were killed while 33 were reportedly injured in reactor explosion incident at a pharma company in Andhra Pradesh's Anakapalle district on Wednesday. The explosion is said to have taken place at the Achutapuram Special Economic Zone.

The injured have been shifted to the NTR Hospital for treatment, reports said.

PTI quoting Anakapalli District Collector Vijaya Krishnan said the accident occurred around 2 pm at Escientia pharma plant.

“The factory operates with 381 employees in two shifts. The blast occurred during lunch time. Therefore, staff presence was less, Krishnan told PTI, adding that the explosion is suspected to be electricity-related.

Around 33 injured people were shifted to different hospitals in Anakapalli and Atchutapuram, she said, as per the report.

She also said 13 people trapped in the unit were rescued.

Officials suspect it to be an electricity-related fire, reports said.

The explosion reportedly occurred at the Escientia Company, a pharma firm's plant, in the Special Economic Zone.

The accident took place during lunchtime, averting a major disaster, reports mentioned. The videos on social media platforms showed smoke billowing from the reactor and engulfing the surrounding villages.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu has expressed grief over the loss of lives.

The CM assured that the government will stand by the families of the workers who died, said an official press release.

Naidu is expected to reach the spot tomorrow.