Andhra Pradesh Pharma Plant Explosion: Death Toll Rises to 17, High-Level Inquiry Ordered

GG News Bureau
Anakapalli, 22nd August. The death toll from the explosion at the Escientia Advanced Sciences pharmaceuticals plant in Andhra Pradesh’s Anakapalli district has risen to 17 as of Thursday, with 34 others injured. The devastating blast occurred on Wednesday afternoon at the 40-acre facility, with initial investigations pointing to a chemical reactor as the origin of the explosion.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his sorrow over the incident in a post on X (formerly Twitter), saying, “Pained by the loss of lives due to a mishap at a factory in Anakapalli. Condolences to those who lost their near and dear ones.”

Following the incident, workers with severe burns and injuries were swiftly transported to hospitals. Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu has called for a high-level inquiry into the explosion and vowed strict action against the plant’s management if negligence is found to be the cause. District police superintendent M Deepika confirmed that rescue operations have been completed, with the final toll standing at 17 dead and 34 injured.

Investigators suspect that the blast was triggered by a gas leak, which subsequently reached an electrical panel, causing a fire and a large explosion. The plant, located within the Andhra Pradesh Industrial Infrastructure Corporation’s multi-product SEZ at the Atchutapuram cluster, began operations in April 2019 with a ₹200 crore investment. The damage could have been more severe if not for the reduced number of workers present during lunchtime.

Reports suggest that the accident occurred while solvent oil was being pumped between floors, leading to a leak that sparked the fire. Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Konidala Pawan Kalyan shared these details in a post on X. Meanwhile, relatives of the victims have voiced their frustration over the lack of communication from authorities regarding the whereabouts of their loved ones.

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge also expressed his condolences for the lives lost in the tragedy and urged the government to implement measures to prevent such incidents in the future. The company, Escientia Advanced Sciences, operates two R&D centers in Connecticut (US) and Hyderabad, alongside the commercial manufacturing site at Anakapalli.