PM Modi said that an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF) would be given to the next of kin of each deceased. The injured would be given Rs. 50,000
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Authorities in Andhra Pradesh concluded rescue efforts on Thursday (August 22) following a devastating explosion at a pharmaceutical plant that killed 17 people and injured nearly 40 others, a senior state official said.
The blast, which occurred on Wednesday (August 21) at a 40-acre facility of Escientia Advanced Sciences in the Anakapalli district, is the deadliest industrial accident in the state in recent years.
N. Yuvaraj, the state’s Industries Secretary, confirmed that rescue operations had been completed and nearly 40 people were injured in the incident.
Government officials believe the explosion originated in a chemical reactor, with preliminary investigations suggesting that a vapor leak led to a series of chemical reactions, ultimately causing the blast. The solvent involved was identified as methyl tert-butyl ether, Yuvaraj said.
Authorities are reviewing closed-circuit television footage and interviewing the injured to determine if human error contributed to the explosion.
The Prime Minister’s Office announced on social media platform X (Twitter) that PM Narendra Modi had conveyed his condolences to those who lost their near and dear ones in the mishap at the factory. “May the injured recover soon,” he said.
PM Modi also said that an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF) would be given to the next of kin of each deceased. The injured would be given Rs. 50,000.
India, often referred to as the pharmacy of the world, hosts numerous pharmaceutical manufacturing facilities. Last year, a fire in the same district at a unit of Sahithi Pharma claimed two lives and injured five others.
With inputs from Reuters
