Blast at Indian pharmaceutical plant claims 17 lives

By Candice Kim Posted : August 22, 2024, 16:24 Updated : August 22, 2024, 16:26
This file photo shows a plant fire. Yonhap
SEOUL, August 22 (AJU PRESS) - An explosion at a pharmaceutical factory in Andhra Pradesh, southern India, has resulted in 17 fatalities and injured nearly 40 people. The incident, which occurred on Wednesday at Escientia Advanced Sciences' 40-acre facility in Anakapalli district, marks the state's worst such event in recent years.

As of Thursday, rescue operations have concluded, according to a senior state official. The blast is believed to have originated in a chemical reactor during lunchtime at the plant, which has been operational since 2019.

Local authorities have initiated an investigation into the cause of the explosion. Emergency services responded swiftly, transferring the injured to nearby medical facilities. Escientia has not yet commented on the incident.

This tragedy follows a similar event last year at another pharmaceutical company in the same district, highlighting concerns about industrial safety in the region's pharmaceutical sector.

The state government has ordered a thorough inquiry into the explosion, emphasizing the need for improved safety measures in such facilities.

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