On August 21, a tragic explosion at Escientia Advanced Sciences Private Limited in the Atchutapuram SEZ, Rambilli mandal of Anakapalle district, Andhra Pradesh, resulted in the death of 17 workers and injuries to 30 others. The incident occurred around 2:15 pm, initially believed to have been caused by a reactor blast. This catastrophic event has sent shockwaves throughout the community, highlighting the potential dangers faced by workers in such hazardous environments.
Officials have warned that the number of injured might rise as rescue operations continue. Rescue teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) have been deployed to the site, working tirelessly to locate and save any remaining survivors trapped in the debris. The injured individuals have been admitted to several hospitals, including King George Hospital in Visakhapatnam, where they are receiving critical medical care. The collapse of the first floor of the building further complicated the rescue efforts, making it difficult for teams to reach those who were trapped underneath the rubble. The entire operation is being supervised by the Anakapalle District Collector and the Superintendent of Police (SP), ensuring that all available resources are being utilized to mitigate the disaster's impact.
While the fire was initially thought to have been caused by a reactor blast, further investigation revealed that the explosion was actually triggered by solvent oil igniting as it was pumped between floors. This unexpected discovery has raised serious concerns about the safety protocols in place at the factory. The incident occurred during lunchtime, a time when many workers were likely to be in the building, with a total of 381 employees present at the time. The timing of the explosion could have been even more disastrous, as the lunch break might have prevented even more casualties.
In response to the incident, Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu held a teleconference with officials to discuss the situation and the urgent measures needed for a safe and thorough assessment of the site. He plans to visit Anakapalle on Thursday to personally assess the situation and console the injured workers and their families. The Chief Minister assured that the government would support all affected families, pledging that no stone would be left unturned in providing assistance and ensuring justice for the victims. Reports presented to the CM indicated that the pharmaceutical company’s management response to the incident was inadequate, further exacerbating the situation.
The Chief Minister instructed officials to utilize all available medical personnel to save lives and care for the injured. He received detailed reports outlining the factors that worsened the situation, including potential human errors and construction flaws within the facility. The CM also directed Health Secretary M.T. Krishna Babu to visit the site immediately and ensure that the injured received the best medical care possible for a swift recovery. The use of air ambulances was also authorized if necessary, highlighting the government's commitment to providing the highest level of care for those affected.
The site of the explosion has become a place of mourning, with families of the deceased and injured anxiously waiting for news about their loved ones. Among those waiting is the mother and sister of Krishna Sad, who was working the general shift when the explosion occurred and has been missing since. The lack of official statements regarding the whereabouts of missing workers has only added to the families' anguish, as they desperately seek answers.
They are not telling us anything. Many officials are moving in and out of the unit, but no one is revealing any details. They are not even answering calls. My brother’s phone is ringing, but no one is answering. Employees leave their phones in lockers. They are neither allowing us to go inside nor providing any basic information
Family of Empolyee Krishna Sai
So far, four deceased workers have been identified: Y. Chinna Rao (32), Challapalli Harika (22), Mohan Durga Prasad (20), who died on the spot, and Ram Reddy (47), who succumbed to his injuries during treatment at King George Hospital. The identification of the deceased has provided some closure to their families, though many more continue to wait in uncertainty.
Thirteen injured patients were taken to Pavan Sai Hospital in Atchutapuram, 11 to Anakapalli North Hospital, and nine to Anakapalle Utah Prime Hospital. Witnesses reported that the blast caused the first-floor ceiling to collapse, trapping several people underneath, burning some beyond recognition, and hurling others out of the building itself.
This event has sparked protests by family members and locals, who are demanding that authorities and management ensure the safety of employees in the future. The Atchutapuram SEZ has seen several similar accidents in the past, raising questions about the overall safety standards in these industrial zones.
We do not want empty promises from authorities, but concrete actions. This has become routine in recent years, with promises of improved safety at industries but no real changes. They talk about forming committees, but nothing comes of it
Protesters
YSRC president and former Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy is scheduled to visit the site on August 23. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), he demanded that the government compensate the victims' families with ₹1 crore each and provide high-quality medical treatment for the injured, along with financial support until their full recovery. Many trade unions have commended the District Collector, SP, and other officials for their swift response, which helped minimize further loss of life.
This year alone, three people have died due to mishaps in the SEZ. On July 17, one worker died and two were injured due to an explosion at Vasant Chemicals. On April 18, one person was killed and five were injured at Alkali Metals Company due to a methyl nitrate gas leak. Additionally, one worker was killed at Aurobindo Pharma during pressure testing of a vacuum tray dryer. The pattern of incidents points to a need for stricter safety regulations and enforcement within these zones to prevent future tragedies.
(Input from various sources)
(Rehash/Yash Kamble/MSM)
