India

Solvent Leak Triggers Reactor Blast in Andhra Pharma Unit; 17 Dead, 35 Injured

Visakhapatnam, Aug 22: A solvent leak caused the reactor blast at a pharma unit in Andhra Pradesh’s Atchutapuram Special Economic Zone. The explosion killed 17 people and injured 35 others, officials confirmed on Thursday.

Visakhapatnam District Collector M.N. Harendhira Prasad stated that a comprehensive probe is underway at Escientia Advanced Sciences Private Limited. He said the investigation would determine the exact cause of the explosion and fire.

The Collector met with the families of the deceased at King George Hospital (KGH) and assured them of government support.

Officials moved 12 bodies to KGH for autopsy and sent five others to the government hospital in Anakapalli.

The 35 injured are receiving treatment in government and private hospitals. Eighteen are at Usha Prime Hospital in Anakapalle, seven at Medicover Hospital in Visakhapatnam, and the remaining 10 at private hospitals in Atchutapuram.

The reactor exploded at Escientia Advanced Sciences on Wednesday afternoon during a shift change, leading to a massive fire.

Officials identified a solvent leak as the cause of the explosion during their initial investigation.

Andhra CM Naidu announces Rs 1 crore ex-gratia for families of deceased

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu announced Rs 1 crore ex-gratia for each of the deceased’s families.

Naidu visited the injured at Medicover and KGH hospitals and promised that the government would cover their treatment costs. He also announced Rs 50 lakh compensation for the critically injured and Rs 25 lakh for those with minor injuries. He assured plastic surgery assistance if needed.

Naidu spoke to some of the injured, offering encouragement and promising government support. He told the media that the incident deeply affected him. He confirmed that the blast killed 17 people and injured 36 others, including 10 critically injured and 26 with minor injuries.

Naidu instructed doctors and officials to provide the best care for the injured. He also consoled the victims’ families and assured them of government assistance.

The victims’ families demanded action against the company’s management, accusing them of withholding information after the accident.

Also Read: Supreme Court Restores Organized Crime Charges In Gauri Lankesh Murder Case

Ajaypal Choudhary

Recent Posts

Supreme Court Seeks Reply On Uttarakhand Madrasa Crackdown

The Supreme Court sought responses from the Centre and Uttarakhand on a petition challenging the…

16 mins ago

Supreme Court Rejects Medha Patkar’s Plea In Defamation Case

The Supreme Court upheld Medha Patkar’s defamation conviction in a case filed by Delhi’s Lieutenant…

43 mins ago

Supreme Court To Review Waqf Bill Amid Rising Opposition

The Supreme Court will hear challenges to Waqf Act amendments limiting the Board’s authority over…

54 mins ago

Supreme Court Transfers Bihar Bridge Collapse Petition To Patna HC

The Supreme Court has transferred a plea seeking an inquiry into Bihar’s frequent bridge collapses…

1 hour ago

Modi Government Introduce Waqf Amendment Bill In Parliament: A Numbers Game

The second phase of budget session is underway in Parliament, and amidst ongoing protests, the…

1 hour ago

How Your Skin Changes When You Stop Eating Sugar For 30 Days

Cutting sugar from your diet for 30 days can lead to noticeable improvements in your…

1 hour ago