14 killed in reactor explosion at pharma unit in Andhra’s Atchutapuram SEZ

The explosion and the fire occurred during the lunch break at pharmaceutical company Escientia at Atchutapuram Special Economic Zone, a pharmaceutical company hub.

According to an official from the Atchutapuram Police Station, two workers from nearby Rambilli mandal died due to the burn injuries while several people had serious burn injuries. Some of the wounded have been admitted to NTR District Hospital Anakapalli while others are being rushed to hospitals in Visakhapatnam.

Dozens of fire engines from Anakapalle and nearby areas rushed to the site to douse the fire. Officials said that the entire area is filled with thick smoke, hampering rescue operations. The company employees over 1,000 workers and is one of the biggest pharma companies in the SEZ.

Police officials said that people in nearby villages stated that they heard a loud explosion. Several employees gathered outside the company demanding compensation for the victims, and punish officials for negligence which led to the reactor explosion.

This is the third reactor explosion in the Atchutapuram SEZ. On July 17, an explosion at Vasantha Chemicals killed a 44-year-old migrant worker from Odisha.