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 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.
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