Andhra Pharma Unit Fire, Blast Death Toll Rises to 17

Amravati: The death toll in the fire and explosion at the pharma unit of Escientia Advanced Science Pvt Ltd in the Ankapalli district of Andhra Pradesh on Wednesday has reached 17. More than 30 are also injured in this mishap.

A major fire and explosion ripped through a pharma unit at 2:15 pm on Wednesday. According to the Anakapalli district collector Vijaya Krishnan the fire was suspected to be electricity-related.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu is to visit the accident site on Thursday. He ordered a high-level enquiry into the incident and declared stringent action against the management if its negligence was found to have caused the tragic accident. incident.

The company, which manufactures intermediate chemicals and active pharmaceutical ingredients (API) is located on a 40-acre campus in the Andhra Pradesh Industrial Infrastructure Corporation’s (APIIC) multi-product SEZ at the Atchutapuram cluster.

The factory employs 381 employees in two shifts. The fire occurred during lunchtime when staff presence was less.