Tragic Explosion at Indian Pharmaceutical Plant: 15 Dead

An explosion at a pharmaceuticals manufacturing plant in Andhra Pradesh, India, killed at least 15 people and injured nearly 40. The fire broke out in the afternoon at Escientia Advanced Sciences' unit. Rescue operations are ongoing, and the state government has ordered an inquiry into the incident.

An explosion in southern India's Andhra Pradesh state at a pharmaceuticals manufacturing plant resulted in at least 15 fatalities and nearly 40 injuries on Wednesday, according to officials. District Superintendent of Police M. Deepika informed Reuters that the death toll is expected to rise.

The fire erupted in the afternoon at the privately held Escientia Advanced Sciences' 40-acre facility operational since 2019, located in Anakapalli district. District Collector Vijaya Krishnan stated that injured individuals have been transported to nearby hospitals, adding that the incident likely involved a blast at the chemical reactor and occurred around lunchtime.

Escientia has yet to issue a public statement. The state government has launched an inquiry into the incident. This marks another tragic event in the area, following a fire last year at a Sahithi Pharma unit that resulted in two deaths and five injuries.

(With inputs from agencies.)