NEW DELHI: A fire at a pharmaceutical unit in Andhra Pradesh’s Anakapalle district has resulted in the deaths of at least three people, with 17 others injured.
The incident occurred around 2 p.m. at Escientia Advanced Sciences Pvt Ltd, located in the Achutapuram Special Economic Zone, according to Anakapalli district collector Vijaya Krishnan.
Initially, media reports suggested that the fire was caused by an explosion in a chemical reactor, but Krishnan clarified that the fire was likely related to an electrical issue. The blaze broke out during lunchtime, when the plant, which operates with 381 employees in two shifts, had fewer staff present.
Of the injured, around 30 people were transported to various hospitals in Anakapalli and Atchutapuram, while 13 individuals trapped inside the unit were rescued. Those severely injured have been moved to NTR Hospital for treatment.
Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu expressed his condolences for the loss of lives and assured that the government would support the families of the deceased. This tragedy is not an isolated incident in the region.
Just last month, a worker was killed and two others were injured following a reactor explosion at another chemical factory in Anakapalle’s special economic zone. In June 2023, six people lost their lives due to a reactor explosion at Sahiti Pharma, also located in the same SEZ.
