Pharma Plant Tragedy: Solvent Leak Suspected in Blaze Killing 17

A suspected solvent leakage at Escientia Advanced Sciences Pvt Ltd in Andhra Pradesh has resulted in a deadly blaze, claiming 17 lives and injuring 33. Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu announced compensation and future safety measures. Investigations are ongoing to ascertain the exact cause of the accident.

A suspected solvent leakage could have triggered a deadly blaze at a pharmaceutical unit in Andhra Pradesh, killing 17 people, according to a senior official on Thursday.

State Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu visited the injured at a Visakhapatnam hospital, announcing an ex-gratia of Rs one crore for the victims' families and additional funds for the severely injured. He also assured of necessary precautions to prevent such incidents in the future.

Anakapalli district Collector Vijaya Krishnan stated that preliminary assessments pointed to solvent leakage from a pipe falling on an electric panel. Despite initial reports suggesting a reactor blast, further investigations are ongoing. Harrowing scenes emerged as injured workers with severe burns were rushed to hospitals.