HYDERABAD — An explosion at a pharmaceutical manufacturing plant in Andhra Pradesh, India, on Wednesday has claimed the lives of at least 15 people and injured around 40, according to district officials.
M. Deepika, the District Superintendent of Police, confirmed the death toll, noting that it is expected to rise as rescue operations continue. “The death toll currently stands at 15 and may increase. Nearly 40 people have been injured, and rescue operations are ongoing,” Deepika told Reuters.
The explosion occurred at Escientia Advanced Sciences’ 40-acre facility in Anakapalli district, which has been in operation since 2019. The fire broke out in the afternoon, during lunchtime at the plant. District Collector Vijaya Krishnan indicated that the blast might have originated from a chemical reactor.
In response to the incident, the state government has initiated an inquiry. Escientia Advanced Sciences has not yet commented on the situation. This incident follows a similar fire at a Sahithi Pharma unit in Anakapalli last year, which resulted in two deaths and five injuries.
