The death toll from a fire at a pharmaceutical plant in Andhra Pradesh has increased to 15. The blaze erupted around 2:15 p.m. on Wednesday at Escientia Advanced Sciences Pvt Ltd, situated in the Atchutapuram Special Economic Zone (SEZ), as reported by Anakapalli District Collector Vijaya Krishnan.
“Death toll as of now is 15 and is likely to go up. Nearly 40 people have been injured. Rescue operations underway,” District Superintendent of Police M. Deepika told Reuters.
Initial reports suggested that a reactor explosion might have caused the fire, but Krishnan clarified that the fire was not due to a reactor blast. Officials now believe the fire was related to an electrical issue. The injured have been taken to various hospitals in Anakapalli and Atchutapuram for treatment.
“The injured have been shifted to nearby hospitals … an inquiry has been initiated to identify the exact reason that led to the blast,” Krishnan’s office told Reuters.
Approximately 40 people were taken to different hospitals in Anakapalli and Atchutapuram, though their conditions have not been disclosed.
The collector also mentioned that 13 individuals trapped in the facility were rescued.
Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu expressed his sorrow over the deaths, stating, “The CM assured that the government will stand by the families of the workers who died,” according to an official press release.
Authorities are investigating the cause of the explosion, with further details expected soon.
Escientia Advanced Sciences, which produces intermediate chemicals and active pharmaceutical ingredients (API), began operations in April 2019 with an investment of ₹200 crore. The plant is located on a 40-acre site within the Andhra Pradesh Industrial Infrastructure Corporation’s (APIIC) multi-product SEZ at Atchutapuram.