India: Blast at Andhra pharma company kills 17; rescue operations underway
Ambulance seen entering the Andhra firm where explosion occured earlier today
A major explosion at a pharma company in the southern Indian state of Andhra Pradesh killed at least 17people and injured several others on Wednesday (Aug 21). The incident took place in Atchutapuram Special Economic Zone (SEZ) of the state, catching employees of ‘Escientia’ off guard. Authorities rushed the injured to Anakapalli NTR Hospital and a nearby private hospital for medical treatment. The emergency response team rescued a total of 10 people.
Videos circulating on the internet showed an ambulance rushing towards the accident site and people moving around with their noses covered amidst grey smoke.
Local authorities said search and rescue operations were underway.
Anakapalli Superintendent of Police, Deepika Patil, confirmed the death toll and said the smoke and fire engulfed the entire building during the lunch hour.
Patil clarified that the blast didn’t occur in the reactor, as reported by several media outlets; but at the reactor site. It was not clear what caused the blast.
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