A devastating explosion at an Escientia Advanced Sciences pharmaceutical plant in Andhra Pradesh, India resulted in at least 17 fatalities and 40 injuries, according to local authorities.
The explosion took place on August 21, 2024, Wednesday, in the Anakapalli district, causing safety concerns in the region’s densely industrialized areas.
The explosion occurred during lunchtime, causing substantial damage to the facility. Thankfully, the majority of the 380 employees were on their lunch break, potentially avoiding a higher casualty rate. Nevertheless, individuals near the explosion site sustained severe chemical burns, making it a distressing scene for first responders.
Describing the horrific scene, M Buchaiah, an officer from the Atchutapuram police station, told The Indian Express, “It was horrible, heartbreaking. They were screaming before they lost consciousness.” The victims, some with “skin peeling off,” were swiftly transported to local hospitals, where three of them later succumbed to their injuries.
The plant, which started operations in 2019, belongs to Escientia Advanced Sciences. The company manufactures intermediate chemicals and active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), key components in the production of various medications. Located in a special economic zone in the village of Atchutapuram, the 40-acre plant operated 24-hour shifts.
Early investigations suggest that a chemical solvent leak triggered the explosion. N Yuvaraj, the state’s Industries Secretary, stated that the leak led to a series of chemical reactions leading to the explosion. “There was some vapor leak that led to chemical reactions, which caused the explosion,” said Yuvaraj.
In response to the incident, six fire engines were dispatched to the scene and the National Disaster Response Force was called upon to assist in rescue operations. The fire was eventually controlled but not before causing substantial damage. A government-led investigation is underway to determine the exact cause and possible human error factors.
L Srinivas Rao, a local politician, highlighted the inherent risks associated with the jobs of those affected by the explosion. “The workers who died or were injured do the most crucial and dangerous jobs,” Rao stated to The Indian Express. This statement reflects wider concerns about the safety of industrial workers in India, where regulatory oversight is often seen as inadequate.
The incident has renewed focus on India’s industrial safety standards. Factory and plant fires and explosions are not rare in the country, frequently linked to weak enforcement of safety protocols. The Anakapalli district, where the recent incident occurred, has witnessed similar incidents in the past. Just last year, a similar accident at another pharmaceutical factory in the same district resulted in two fatalities and five injuries.
The Escientia plant explosion is one of the worst industrial accidents in recent years in Andhra Pradesh. The company, which has yet to comment on the incident, is now under intense scrutiny as the state government has ordered a comprehensive investigation. Officials are currently examining security camera footage and interviewing injured workers to reconstruct the incident.
Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu expressed his sorrow over the loss of lives and called for strict action against those responsible. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also extended his condolences to the families of the victims through a post on a social media platform.
While the investigation continues, the state government has announced ex-gratia payments of approximately $120,000 for the families of the deceased, around $60,000 for those severely injured, and roughly $30,000 for those with moderate injuries. Although significant, these compensations can only do so much to alleviate the pain and loss suffered by the affected families.
