Death toll in Anakapalle pharma facility blast rises to 16
Explosion at Anakapalle pharma plant leaves 16 dead, 50 injured; authorities investigate cause amid ongoing rescue.
- Crime
NewsTAP Bureau- Updated On:21 Aug 2024 10:09 PM IST
ANAKAPALLE: The death toll in the explosion at Escientia Advanced Science company in the Atchutapuram Pharma SEZ has increased to 16. Nearly 50 people are said to be injured.
The blast, which occurred just after 1:30 PM on Wednesday, triggered immense panic and destruction inside the pharma facility.
Authorities have said that the blast was of high intensity and caused structural damage. The factory's first-floor slab caved in, burying several workers under debris. Emergency services responded with 11 fire engines, and the fire that broke out was quickly contained.
Around 300 employees were working on the site at the time of the blast. The force of the explosion was so intense that it shook even nearby villages and sent shockwaves through the local community. Five out of the injured are in critical condition, with burns exceeding 60%.
Rescue operations were rampant. Cranes rescued the workers on the third floor. All the injured have been shifted to different hospitals in Ankapalle for emergency treatment.
An investigation into the cause of the explosion is underway. The death toll may increase as the situation is still unfolding.Anakapalle, pharma explosion, fatalities, injuries, Escientia, Atchutapuram, SEZ, rescue effortsAnakapalle, pharma explosion, fatalities, injuries, Escientia, Atchutapuram, SEZ, rescue efforts
