Tragedy Strikes Vasantha Chemicals: One Dead, Several Injured in Explosive Fire

A massive fire at Vasantha Chemicals in Andhra Pradesh's Anakapalle village resulted in one death and multiple injuries. The incident was triggered by a chemical reactor explosion. Firefighters quickly controlled the blaze, but another fire in Tirupati district's Sri Ghandam area added to the state's recent fire-related woes.

A tragic incident unfolded at Vasantha Chemicals in Atchutapuram village of Anakapalle, Andhra Pradesh, as one worker lost his life and several others sustained injuries following a massive fire outbreak. The calamity occurred after a chemical reactor exploded while Pradeep Raut, a staff member, was in the process of cleaning it.

The explosion set off a blaze, prompting immediate action from fire tenders who rushed to the scene. Despite being rushed to the hospital, worker Pradeep Raut succumbed to his injuries, according to Anakapalle District Collector Vijaya Krishnan. 'A contract worker named Pradeep Raut sustained injuries and was shifted to the hospital immediately. However, he died while receiving treatment,' said District Collector Krishnan.

Krishnan further disclosed that the rupture disc and safety relief valve of the autoclave were opened, which led to the fire. The blaze was brought under control within 20 minutes. In a separate incident, another fire broke out in the Sri Ghandam area of Tirupati's Tirumala Paruveta Mandapam, officials reported.

Fortunately, no casualties were reported in the Tirupati incident. Officials noted that the fire spread rapidly due to an intense heatwave currently sweeping the state. Firefighters responded quickly and managed to douse the flames, while authorities issued warnings for local wildlife.

(With inputs from agencies.)