PNS|Visakhapatnam
An explosion at Sahiti Pharma company in Atchutapuram, Anakapalli district, has claimed the lives of two individuals and left five others with burn injuries, two of whom are in critical condition, according to local authorities.
The two individuals, who suffered severe chemical burns during the blast, succumbed to their injuries while receiving treatment at KGH Hospital in Visakhapatnam. Four others, including two with severe burns, are currently being treated at the same hospital, as stated by the police.
One additional injured person has been admitted to Star Zen Hospital in Atchutapuram.
At the time of the explosion, there were 35 people present in the plant, most of whom managed to escape unharmed, according to a statement from the state government.
Preliminary investigations suggest that the blast occurred around 11:45 AM while solvents were being loaded into the solvent recovery plant of the pharmaceutical company, situated within the Atchutapuram special economic zone (SEZ), the police reported.
Superintendent of Police K V Murali Krishna of Anakapalli District mentioned that the injured individuals suffered chemical burns, emphasising the grave nature of such injuries and assuring that the victims are receiving the best possible treatment.
“The blast and subsequent fire likely resulted from a reaction during the loading of solvents in the solvent recovery plant. This is the initial report,” Krishna stated.
Meanwhile, the inspector of factories is conducting an investigation into the cause of the accident, Krishna added.
Following the incident, the police promptly arrived at the scene to extinguish the flames and maintain crowd control to prevent anyone from approaching the accident site.
A total of 10 fire tenders were dispatched to the accident site, and the government statement confirmed that the fire is now believed to be under control.
The inspector of factories has ruled out the possibility of any toxic gas leaks.
Immediately after the incident, the police arranged for ambulances to transport the injured individuals and made arrangements for their treatment at NTR Government Hospital in Anakapalli town.
Amarnath calls on injured victims at KGH
Industries Minister Gudivada Amarnath visited KGH Hospital to meet the injured victims of the blast who were undergoing treatment. He expressed deep sorrow over the unfortunate incident and mentioned that monthly safety audits are conducted by the officials of the industries department. The state government has announced a compensation of Rs 25 lakh to the families of the deceased and Rs 5 lakh to the injured individuals affected by the accident, he stated.
