In a tragic incident on Wednesday, seven workers lost their lives, and 50 others were injured in a catastrophic reactor explosion at the Escientia pharmaceutical company, located in the Atchutapuram Special Economic Zone (SEZ) of Andhra Pradesh’s Anakapalle district. The explosion occurred during the lunch break, sending panic through the premises and surrounding areas.
The explosion was so powerful that it caused the slab of the first floor to collapse, while a massive fire erupted, engulfing the building in thick smoke. With around 300 employees present at the time, the situation quickly became dire. Rescue operations were hampered by the smoke, but the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), along with fire services personnel and local police, managed to save several workers trapped on the third floor.
The injured were immediately transported to various hospitals in Anakapalle, with officials warning that the death toll could rise as some of the victims are in critical condition.
The explosion triggered panic not just within the company but also in the nearby villages, where residents were shaken by the incident. Outside the company, employees gathered to demand justice, calling for compensation for the victims’ families and accountability from those responsible for the apparent negligence.
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu expressed his deep shock and sadness over the explosion. He contacted the Anakapalle district collector to get updates and directed officials to ensure that the injured receive the best possible medical care. Similarly, former Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy extended his condolences to the bereaved families and urged the government to provide adequate support to the victims’ families while taking steps to prevent future tragedies.
This incident highlights the urgent need for stringent safety measures in industrial units to protect workers’ lives and prevent such devastating accidents.
