Alina
14 Killed in AP Pharma Unit Explosion
Andhra Pradesh: 14 Killed in Reactor Explosion at Pharma Unit
Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh – In a tragic incident that has shaken the industrial sector of Andhra Pradesh, 14 workers lost their lives, and over 50 others sustained injuries in a devastating reactor explosion at a pharmaceutical company in the Anakapalle district on Wednesday. The explosion occurred during the lunch break at Escientia, located in the Atchutapuram Special Economic Zone (SEZ) near Visakhapatnam, causing widespread panic and chaos.
The accident, which took place in the midst of a routine workday, quickly escalated into a full-scale disaster as a massive fire engulfed the premises. Workers, who had been inside the facility, ran out in panic as the flames and smoke filled the air. Authorities dispatched a dozen fire tenders to the scene in a desperate bid to control the blaze, but the damage had already been done. Initially, reports indicated that seven workers had lost their lives, but as rescue operations progressed, the death toll rose sharply to 14.
Among the deceased were key personnel, including plant AGM V. Satyanarayana, lab head Rami Reddy, chemist Harika, and several others. The impact of the explosion was so intense that bodies were discovered buried under the rubble of the collapsed building. Rescuers, including personnel from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), fire services, and police, worked tirelessly to save those trapped in the wreckage. The injured were swiftly transported to hospitals in Anakapalle and Visakhapatnam, with some in critical condition, prompting fears that the death toll may rise further.
The catastrophe left a trail of destruction within the plant, as the first-floor slab collapsed, trapping numerous workers. Thick smoke blanketed the area, making rescue operations even more challenging. The blast also triggered panic in the surrounding villages, with residents fearing for their safety.
As news of the tragedy spread, employees gathered outside the company premises, demanding justice for the victims and accountability from the officials responsible for the safety lapses that led to the disaster. There were emotional scenes as angry workers tried to halt ambulances carrying the bodies of their colleagues. Allegations of negligence quickly surfaced, with one worker claiming that safety measures at the plant were grossly inadequate. He revealed that the workers had long called for a safety audit of the SEZ, but their pleas had fallen on deaf ears.
The fire services department, inspector of factories, and Pollution Control Board were all accused of failing in their duties by not conducting the necessary audits that could have potentially prevented this tragedy. The anger and frustration among the workers were palpable as they demanded justice for their fallen comrades.
Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu expressed his deep shock over the incident. He immediately reached out to the Anakapalle District Collector to gather details and instructed officials to provide the best possible medical care to the injured. In a show of solidarity, the Chief Minister also directed that air ambulances be used to transport critically injured patients to Hyderabad for specialized treatment. Naidu announced that he would personally visit Anakapalle on Thursday to meet with the injured and offer support to their families.
Former Chief Minister and YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) leader Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy also expressed his condolences to the families affected by the tragedy. He emphasized the importance of ensuring top-notch medical care for the injured and called for urgent action to prevent such incidents in the future. Reddy’s appeal for the state government to provide adequate compensation and support to the bereaved families struck a chord with many who believe that more could have been done to avert the disaster.
This incident has once again brought to the forefront the critical issue of industrial safety in India, particularly in hazardous sectors such as pharmaceuticals. The lack of stringent safety protocols and oversight has often led to disastrous consequences, with the lives of workers hanging in the balance. The reactor explosion in Anakapalle is a stark reminder of the need for robust safety measures and regular audits to prevent such tragic occurrences.
The Anakapalle tragedy has left a deep scar on the community, with families mourning their lost loved ones and workers grappling with the aftermath of the disaster. As investigations continue, the focus will likely shift to identifying the root causes of the explosion and holding those responsible accountable. For now, the priority remains on providing care to the injured and ensuring that the victims’ families receive the support they deserve.
The coming days will be crucial as the state government and authorities work to address the concerns raised by the workers and the public. The demand for justice, accountability, and stricter safety regulations will likely grow louder as the investigation unfolds. In the wake of this tragedy, the need for systemic changes in industrial safety practices has never been more evident.
As Andhra Pradesh mourns the loss of 14 lives in this horrific incident, the focus must now shift to preventing such disasters in the future and ensuring that the workers who risk their lives every day are afforded the protection they deserve.
