VISAKHAPATNAM, Andhra Pradesh: The death toll from the explosion at a pharmaceutical plant in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, has risen to 17, with 34 others injured. The blast occurred on Wednesday at the Escientia Advanced Sciences plant, located on a 40-acre site in Anakapalli district. Authorities suspect that the explosion was triggered by a chemical reactor.
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has announced a high-level investigation to determine the cause of the incident. He emphasised that strict action would be taken against the factory management if negligence was found.
The Chief Minister conducted a teleconference with district officials, representatives from the industries and health departments, local public officials, and ministers to discuss the aftermath of the tragic event.
During the meeting, he was briefed on the condition of the injured and the medical treatment being provided. Officials also shared preliminary information on possible causes of the accident, including human error in plant management and potential structural defects in the plant’s construction.