An explosion at a pharmaceutical factory in Andhra Pradesh, India has resulted in 17 fatalities and 40 injuries, according to official reports.
The powerful explosion took place on Wednesday, August 21, 2024, at Escientia Advanced Sciences, located in the Anakapalli district. The incident has provoked questions about safety measures in the industrial areas of the region.
The midday explosion significantly damaged the facility. Most of the 380 employees were on break at the time, which likely reduced the number of fatalities. Those close to the blast suffered severe chemical burns, with first responders describing the scene as extremely distressing.
“It was horrible, heartbreaking. They were screaming before they lost consciousness,” M Buchaiah, an officer from the Atchutapuram police station, told The Indian Express. Injured workers, some with their “skin peeling off,” were rushed to local hospitals, where three later died from their injuries.
Escientia Advanced Sciences, which started operations in 2019, produces intermediate chemicals and active pharmaceutical ingredients used in various medications, often for export. The 40-acre plant, situated in a special economic zone in the village of Atchutapuram, operates 24/7 shifts.
Early investigations indicate that the explosion was caused by a chemical solvent leak. “There was some vapor leak that led to chemical reactions, which caused the explosion,” N Yuvaraj, the state’s Industries Secretary, stated.
Following the explosion, six fire engines and the National Disaster Response Force were dispatched to control the fire and assist with rescue efforts. The fire was eventually extinguished, but not before causing extensive damage. The site is now the subject of a government inquiry to determine the exact cause of the explosion and if human error was a factor.
“The workers who died or were injured do the most crucial and dangerous jobs,” L Srinivas Rao, a local politician, said. His statement reflects broader concerns about the safety of industrial workers in India, where regulatory oversight has often been criticized.
The explosion has refocused attention on safety standards in India’s industrial sector. Industrial accidents, such as fires and explosions, are not rare in the country, often due to lax enforcement of safety regulations. The Anakapalli district, where this latest incident occurred, has experienced similar tragedies in recent years.
The explosion at the Escientia plant is among the worst industrial accidents in Andhra Pradesh in recent history. The company, which has yet to comment on the incident, is under intense scrutiny as the state government has ordered a comprehensive investigation. Officials are currently reviewing surveillance footage and interviewing injured workers to reconstruct the events leading up to the disaster.
Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu expressed sorrow over the loss of lives and called for stringent action against those responsible. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also extended condolences to the victims’ families via social media.
As the investigation proceeds, the families of those killed and injured are confronting the devastating aftermath of the explosion. The state government has announced ex-gratia payments of $120,000 for the families of the deceased, $60,000 for those severely injured, and $30,000 for those with moderate injuries. However, this financial assistance can do little to alleviate the pain and loss suffered by these families.