A big news has come from Andhra Pradesh. 15 workers were killed and 50 others injured in a reactor explosion in a pharma unit in Anakapalli district on Wednesday. The explosion took place during the lunch break at pharmaceutical company Asientia in Achutapuram Special Economic Zone (SEZ). Officials said that a massive fire broke out after the explosion in the company premises during the lunch break. There was panic among the employees and they ran out to save their lives.

Several fire engines reached the spot to douse the fire. NDRF, fire personnel and police rescued the employees trapped on the third floor of the building. The injured have been admitted to various hospitals in Anakapalli. Officials said that the death toll may increase now, as the condition of some of the injured is critical. About 300 employees were present in the company at the time of the explosion.

The first floor slab collapsed in the explosion

The explosion was so strong that the first floor slab of the building collapsed. Smoke engulfed the entire area, hampering the rescue operation. The explosion also caused panic among the people in the nearby villages. After the accident, the employees gathered outside the company and demanded compensation for the victims and punishment to the officials for negligence. Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has expressed grief over the explosion. He spoke to the District Collector of Anakapalli and inquired about the situation. He directed the officials to ensure the best possible treatment for the injured.

Former CM also expressed grief over the incident

Former Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy has also expressed deep grief over the reactor explosion at Achutapuram SEZ. He expressed his heartfelt condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in the incident. The YSR Congress Party chief has urged the government to ensure that the injured get the best possible medical treatment in hospitals. He also called upon the officials to take immediate steps to prevent such incidents in future. He demanded that the state government provide adequate assistance to the families of the deceased.

How many people work in the company?

387 people work in the farm company. Around 300 people were working at the time of the blast. Earlier it was told that due to lunch break not many people were present at the spot and 15 people were injured. Later there was news of people being trapped in the debris. When the debris was removed, some dead bodies were recovered from there and some injured were taken out.