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Tragic Explosion at Andhra Pradesh Pharma Plant: 17 Dead, Over 40 Injured

 Andhra Pradesh, (21 August, 2024 Wednesday) – In a devastating incident that has shaken the pharmaceutical industry in India, an explosion at the Escientia Advanced Sciences plant in Andhra Pradesh's Anakapalli district claimed the lives of 17 workers and left nearly 40 others injured. The explosion, which occurred on Wednesday afternoon, marks one of the most severe industrial accidents in the state in recent years.


The Incident: A Deadly Blast

The explosion took place at around 2:15 PM at the 40-acre manufacturing unit, which is part of the Andhra Pradesh Industrial Infrastructure Corporation's multi-product SEZ in Atchutapuram. The factory, known for producing intermediate chemicals and Active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), was operating with approximately 380 employees across two shifts at the time of the incident.


According to preliminary investigations, the explosion was triggered by a solvent leak that caused a chemical reaction, ultimately leading to a large-scale fire. The leak reportedly occurred when solvent oil was being pumped from one floor to another, possibly due to a failure in the pipe that led to the oil spilling onto an electrical panel. This sequence of events caused a catastrophic explosion, resulting in extensive damage to the plant and severe casualties among the workforce.


Rescue Efforts and Casualties

Rescue operations were swiftly initiated, involving six fire engines and personnel from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF). Despite the best efforts of the rescue teams, 17 workers succumbed to their injuries, and the number of injured stands at 36, with ten in critical condition. Disturbing reports from the scene describe how several workers suffered horrific chemical burns, with their skin peeling off due to the intensity of the blast.


The plant's location in a highly industrialized area, close to the port city of Visakhapatnam, has seen its fair share of industrial accidents, but this incident has been particularly harrowing. Relatives of the affected workers rushed to the site, many of them waiting anxiously for news about their loved ones. The sight of injured workers being transported to hospitals in blood-soaked ambulances added to the anguish.


Government Response and Condolence

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu expressed his deep sorrow over the tragedy, visiting the injured at Medicover Hospitals in Visakhapatnam. The Chief Minister announced an ex-gratia compensation of ₹1 crore to the families of the deceased workers, ₹50 lakh to those who were critically injured, and ₹25 lakh to those with minor injuries. He assured that the state government would take every possible measure to support the victim's families and prevent such incidents in the future.


Prime Minister Narendra Modi also expressed his condolences through a post on X (formerly Twitter), offering ₹2 lakh for dead from the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund (PMNRF) to the next of kin of each deceased and ₹50,000 to those injured. 


President Droupadi Murmu and Vice President Jagdeep Dhankar joined in mourning the loss of lives and urged for a thorough investigation into the incident.


Investigation Underway

The exact cause of the explosion is still under investigation. While early reports suggest that human error might have played a role, the state's Industries Secretary, N. Yuvaraj, indicated that the investigation would include a thorough review of CCTV footage and questioning of the injured workers. The goal is to determine whether lapses in safety protocols or operational procedures led to this tragic incident.


In a statement, officials from the Anakapalli district acknowledged the suspected solvent leakage as a key factor in the disaster. They emphasized the need for stricter enforcement of safety norms and rigorous inspections to prevent such catastrophic events in the future.


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Impact on the Industry

This incident has once again highlighted the risks involved in the pharmaceutical manufacturing sector, particularly in regions like Andhra Pradesh, which are home to numerous chemical and pharmaceutical plants. The state's reputation as a major hub for the production of active pharmaceutical ingredients has been negative by this tragedy, raising concerns about the adequacy of safety measures in place at such facilities.


As the investigation continues, the focus remains on providing relief to the affected families and ensuring that similar incidents do not occur in the future. The Escientia Advanced Sciences plant, which began operations in 2019, is now under intense scrutiny, and the findings of the inquiry are expected to lead to significant changes in how safety is managed across the industry.


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This tragic event serves as a stark reminder of the dangers inherent in industrial operations and the need for constant vigilance and adherence to safety protocols. The thoughts and prayers of the nation are with the families of the victims during this difficult time.


Stay tuned with "In Bulletin", for more detailed analysed updates on this Incidents.

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Aman Kumar

Aman Kumar

Hey I am Aman Kumar from In Bulletin - A Trusted News Website and work here as both author,admin & Caretaker of this website.

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