At least 17 people died and 41 were injured after an explosion in Andhra Pradesh's Anakapalle. The explosion took place at the Achutapuram Special Economic Zone.
The explosion occurred at the Escientia Company, a pharma firm's plant, in the Special Economic Zone. The injured have been shifted to the NTR Hospital for treatment.
"The incident happened not because of a reactor blast," the District Collector said. Officials suspect it to be an electricity-related fire. Around 380 employees work in two shifts at the plant.
The accident took place during lunchtime around 2:15 pm, averting a major disaster. Visuals from the spot show smoke billowing and engulfing the surrounding villages.
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu will visit the site tomorrow and is in constant touch with the District Collector and police officials. The Chief Minister has ordered an enquiry and said the responsibility has to be fixed.
Six fire engines have been deployed to douse the flames and the National Disaster Response Force has been called to rescue the people.
The Collector said 13 people who were trapped inside the unit have been rescued.
Escientia makes intermediate chemicals and active pharma ingredients. The unit production started in April 2019 with an investment of ₹ 200 crore. It is located on the 40-acre campus of Andhra Pradesh Industrial Infrastructure Corporation.