At least seven people were killed and more than 30 injured when an explosion occurred today at a pharmaceutical factory owned by private company Escientia in the southern Indian state of Andhra Pradesh.
According to local media reports, an explosion occurred at a chemical reactor during the lunch break.
The injured have severe burns
Most of them had severe burns and were transferred to hospitals in the region.
Following the explosion, a fire broke out at the factory, located in the Atchuthapuram Special Economic Zone (SEZ).
Dozens of fire engines rushed to the area. Authorities said, however, thick smoke was making firefighting operations difficult.
Escientia employs more than 1,000 people and is one of the largest pharmaceutical companies in this Special Economic Zone.
An explosion was heard
Police said residents of nearby villages reported hearing the loud explosion.
Many workers gathered outside the company’s offices demanding compensation for the victims and punishment for those responsible for the negligence that led to the reactor explosion.
This is the third reactor explosion to occur in the Atchuthapuram SEZ.
On July 17, an explosion at the Vasantha Chemicals plant killed a 44-year-old worker.
AMP Source