A devastating explosion at a pharmaceutical factory in Andhra Pradesh’s Anakapalli district has claimed the lives of at least 17 people and left 34 others injured, according to police reports on Thursday. The blast, which occurred on Wednesday afternoon, was so powerful that it scattered severed body parts across the site, as reported by The Hindu newspaper.
District police superintendent M. Deepika confirmed that the rescue operations have been concluded, stating that all victims have been accounted for, with a final toll of 17 dead and 34 injured. Investigations suggest that the explosion was triggered by a gas leak that eventually ignited an electrical panel, leading to the catastrophic blast.
Local police official M. Buchaiah provided harrowing details to The Indian Express, describing the severe chemical burns suffered by those caught in the blast. “It was horrible, heartbreaking,” he said, recounting the agonizing screams of the injured before they lost consciousness as they were transported to ambulances.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his sorrow over the tragic incident in a post on social media, stating he was “pained by the loss of lives.” He also announced a compensation of $2,380 to be provided to the families of those who lost their lives in the explosion.
This tragic incident has left the community in shock, highlighting the dangers of industrial accidents and the need for stringent safety measures in hazardous industries.
