Leaders Express Grief Over Andhra Pradesh Pharma Plant Blast, Demand Probe

Vice-President Dhankhar, PM Modi, and other leaders offered condolences following a deadly explosion at a pharma plant in Andhra Pradesh's Anakapalli SEZ, which claimed 17 lives and injured several others. An inquiry has been ordered. Rescue efforts continue.

Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar expressed heartfelt condolences over the tragic reactor blast at a pharmaceutical company in the Special Economic Zone (SEZ) at Atchutapuram, Anakapalli, Andhra Pradesh, on Wednesday. The explosion claimed at least 17 lives and left several others with burn injuries. Dhankhar took to social media platform X to announce, 'Deeply pained by the loss of lives due to mishap at a factory in Anakapalle, Andhra Pradesh. I extend my heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families, and pray for the speedy recovery of the injured.'

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge also conveyed his sorrow over the incident and demanded a high-level investigation. Kharge remarked, 'Deeply anguished by the terrible fire tragedy in a pharmaceutical factory in Anakapalle district of Andhra Pradesh where several people have lost their lives. Our heartfelt condolences to the grieving families. The government must provide them with immediate and adequate compensation. Our thoughts and prayers are with the injured and we wish them a speedy recovery.' He emphasized the need for preventive measures to avoid such tragedies and called for a swift high-level probe by the government.

The catastrophic event occurred when a 500-kilo-litre capacitor reactor exploded while around 200 workers were present in the facility. Rescue operations continue at the site, with Anakapalli SP M Deepika confirming that a team of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) is coordinating efforts. Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu has ordered an investigation and plans to visit the families of the victims on Thursday.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also expressed his condolences, stating, 'Pained by the loss of lives due to a mishap at a factory in Anakapalle. Condolences to those who lost their near and dear ones. May the injured recover soon.' The Prime Minister's Office announced an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh to the families of the deceased, and Rs 50,000 for the injured.

(With inputs from agencies.)