The blast on the pharma firm Escientia, in Andhra Pradesh’s Anakapalli, occured when staff on the manufacturing unit on Wednesday (August 21, 2024) tried to cease the leak of a solvent MTBE (Methy Tertiary Butyl Ether), in accordance with State Residence Minister V. Anitha.
“A solvent – MTBE (Methy Tertiary Butyl Ether) – had leaked and the workers tried to plug the leak. Gas formed and spread from the third floor to the lower floors of the building. Before the leak could be plugged it fell on the electrical panel and a fire broke out leading to a blast,” Ms. Anitha informed the media on reaching the situation of the accident.
The explosion happened on the Atchutapuram SEZ in Anakapalli, round 25 km from Visakhapatnam, leading to a demise toll of staff that has reached 17, with a minimum of 35 others injured. The injured are present process therapy at varied hospitals in Visakhapatnam and Anakapalli.
“I was in a review meeting at Vijayawada, when I received the news. Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu and Deputy Chief Minister K. Pawan Kalyan responded promptly and directed me to visit the mishap site. The Chief Minister will call on the injured persons and the family members of the deceased on Thursday morning,” she stated.
“A high-level inquiry has already been ordered to find out the cause of the accident and whether there was any negligence on the part of the management,” Ms. Anitha stated.
PM Modi broadcasts reduction
In the meantime, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed shock on the accident on the pharma firm and introduced reduction of ₹2 lakh to the kin of the deceased and ₹50,000 for the injured from the PM Reduction Fund (PMRF).
Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu is scheduled to land at Visakhapatnam airport at 11.30 a.m and attain the Medicover Hospital at Venkojipalem within the metropolis at 12.10 p.m. and work together with the injured sufferers. Seven individuals are stated to be present process therapy at this hospital, and the situation of two them is alleged to be essential.
Later, Mr. Naidu will proceed to M/s Escientia Superior Sciences Personal Restricted and attain the pharma firm round 1.30 p.m.
